AFTER rising to become this year’s minor premiers, the Adelaide Crows crashed out of their first finals series since 2017 in straight sets. Now, they look forward towards the draft with a first round pick in tow, and the potential to strike while the iron is hot by trading in for another.

>> FREE: View the 2025 AFL Draft Guide

2025 RECORD: 1st (H&A) | 18-5 | 139.3% | Eliminated: Semi-Finals
2025 PICKS: 16, 48, 55, 64, 73, 75
FUTURE PICKS: ’26 R1, ’26 R2, ’26 R3 | ’27 R1, ’27 R2, ’27 R3, ’27 R4
POTENTIAL ACADEMY/FATHER-SON PICKS: Mitchell Stevens (F/S)

FIRST PICK:
Pick 16

There have been murmurings of Adelaide looking to trade up into Carlton’s pick 11, with a future first-round selection tabled. After early bids, it would essentially place the Crows in a similar position to pick 16. Although, it would also mean they likely bypass picking late in a draft which lacks in depth.

With the likes of Matt Crouch and Brodie Smith retiring, perhaps midfield depth is an area to target – both inside and outside. Naturally, local talent will be linked to Adelaide but that cliche could well become a reality once again, given the South Australian products in the Crows’ hitting zone.

That being said, perhaps Woodville-West Torrens midfielder Jevan Phillipou is a good fit. He’s a hard runner who can impact in the air and on the scoreboard, potentially even starting forward to free up the likes of Izak Rankine and Josh Rachele to spend more time in midfield.

Wingman Harley Barker is another local prospect heavily linked to the Crows. His selection would be more of a long-term one given he will miss much of – if not all – his first year with an ACL tear. That might lend to looking at Josh Lindsay, whose elite skills and footy IQ offer a future on the wing or in midfield.

On the notion of freeing up forwards for more midfield minutes, a small like Lachy Dovaston will be in high demand. Perhaps, then, Cameron Nairn is an likely candidate who can also play wing, while Mitchell Marsh is another mobile marking target who could shape as long-term cover for Tex Walker.

REMAINING CROP:
Picks 48, 55, 64, 73, 75

The Crows’ draft hand survived trade period relatively unchanged, in part due to the Callum Ah Chee deal falling through. Although, the club remains committed to bringing him in via the pre-season draft. Father-son recruit Tyler Welsh was also among the delistings but will be relisted as a rookie.

Set to make one or two live selections, Adelaide could well end up with both in the first round to maximise value in a shallow pool. The Crows can pick for needs in the range they sit and while some late picks would be handy, there may not necessarily be the talent remaining on their board.

Midfielders and depth around the square, particularly when it comes to connecting the lines, should be in the Crows’ thoughts. They have already accounted for ruck depth by trading in Finnbar Maley and landing highly touted basketball convert Indy Cotton as a Category B rookie. The only other consideration will be father-son hopeful Mitchell Stevens, who could be another rookie option.

KEY QUESTIONS:

– Will Adelaide trade for a second first-round selection?
– Is midfield depth the main target for the Crows?
– Are local picks in the offing once again?