MINOR premiers Adelaide could not quite get it done in November, bowing out in the preliminary stage after losses to grand finalists, Brisbane and North Melbourne. Despite missing out on yet another flag, Matthew Clarke and his troops remain a huge contender in the 2024 AFL Women’s flag race as the Crows approach another draft.

OFF-SEASON CHANGES

In: Pick 22, Pick 26, Pick 33
Out: Yvonne Bonner, Lisa Whiteley (retired), McKenzie Dowrick, Amber Ward (delisted), Montana McKinnon (traded), Pick 18, Pick 37, Pick 40

Draft Selections: 22, 26, 33, 58, 76

The Crows essentially rocked up for the final day of the trade period and got involved in the massive 11-team trade, upgrading their second and third selections while dropping four spots for their first. The trade allowed ruck Montana McKinnon to move onto Richmond.

FIRST PICK

Expect South Adelaide midfielder Brooke Boileau to be the name read out at this pick. The Port Adelaide Academy member is one of the most consistent inside midfielders in this year’s draft crop. Though the Crows are stacked in that area, Boileau provides a bit of height and strength on the inside, with her clean hands and clearance ability standing out. Ranked inside our Top 10 Power Rankings, Boileau is set to be a steal at the Crows’ first pick.

Adelaide would love their own linked player and SANFL Women’s Best and Fairest winner Piper Window to continue wearing the tri-colours, but barring Port Adelaide pulling a surprise at the draft table, the Crows will opt for Boileau who shared All-Australian honours with Window at the national championships after a brilliant carnival for South Australia. They cannot afford to leave Boileau until later in the draft like some state based nominations, as Port would most definitely swoop on the South Adelaide youngster.

REMAINING DRAFT CROP

Adelaide has always looked to grab readymade talent to continue its dynasty across the first eight seasons of the AFL Women’s. Despite Port picking the eyes out of the South Australian talent due to pre-listing, do not be surprised if the Crows look for mature-age options with the later picks.

Having moved up to secure three picks inside the first 33 – only having one previously – Adelaide has the opportunity to seize some national nominated talents as well. West Australian vice-captain Jaime Henry is a player who fits the bill of being able to not only step in straight away if needed, but also add versatility in the defensive half of the ground.

From a best available option, Calder Cannons Sarah Grunden is another Crows type pick, with her vision and skill going inside 50 adding plenty of value. It would also allow Danielle Ponter to graduate into that midfield even more and add a point of difference. Another forward who if available would be a good shout is Georgia Clark with the Tasmanian an elite contested mark and will have plenty of fans across the country.

From a mature-age point of view, if the Crows do opt to go local, Central District defender Georgia Madigan is one such player who could fill a role given the outs of a number of players such as Whiteley and Ward. The premiership player is consistent one-on-one and ultra-competitive which would see her fit into the Crows’ backline nicely. Norwood back Emily Bartsch is another option for the Crows, though is still developing her craft as a raw talent in her second season of football since crossing from basketball.

SUMMARY

Adelaide is in a position where it does not need to hit the panic button on any one position. The Crows can load up on some more talent across the ground and fill holes without desperately needing too much. Aside from Boileau who has been heavily linked to hte Crows – and it makes sense as the second best South Australian in the draft crop – Adelaide is always happy to throw a curveball at the draft.