Adelaide has been impressed by the work of call-up ruckman and former Swan Lachlan McAndrew over the pre-season.

McAndrew was delisted by Sydney at the end of the 2024 season after two AFL games, but joined the Crows' SANFL side in the hope of a league lifeline.

The West Lakes club opted to invite the 24-year-old following the serious injury to fellow ruckman and AFL-listed tall Kieran Strachan, who suffered an acute navicular stress fracture in his right foot, sidelining him for up to four months.

Adelaide's busy off-season that saw Alex Neal-Bullen, James Peatling, Isaac Cumming and draftees Sid Draper and Tyler Welsh walk through the doors has meant the club, at this stage, doesn't have a vacancy on their list.

Adelaide call on cut Swan following ruckman's long-term setback
ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 13: Lachlan McAndrew of the Swans in action during the Sydney Swans Captains Run at St Peters College on April 13, 2023 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos)

"When Kieran Strachan went down with his foot injury we went on the search for a ruck that could come into our SANFL program," Crows Head of Football Adam Kelly said.

"So Lachie signed with our SANFL program, which meant that he could train with the AFL squad over the pre-season, and he's been really impressive.

"But at the moment we don't have a list spot. Our list is full, and I guess the pre-season supplemental period ends next Friday, so touch wood we don't have any long-term injuries between now and Friday, and that means we'll go into the year without a list spot.

"Beyond that, the only other opportunity to add anyone to the list will be the Mid-Season Draft.

"In negotiation with Lachie, we're going to get through this period and then we're going to reassess. But what it has enabled us to do is to have somebody challenge Reilly O'Brien right through the summer, which was really important to us."

2020 Marsh Community Series - Melbourne v Adelaide
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 22: Reilly O'Brien of the Crows marks during the 2020 Marsh Community AFL Series match between the Melbourne Demons and the Adelaide Crows at Casey Fields on February 22, 2020 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

Adelaide coach Matthew Nicks lauded the work of McAndrew over the summer months, saying how impressed he has been.

"Lachie has been great," Nicks said.

"We brought him in knowing Kieran wouldn't be there at this pre-season and needed someone to work hard and challenge 'Rob' (Reilly O'Brien) like he has.

"Credit to him because he's taking it to Rob so we will see how it plays out."

The pre-season supplemental selection period (SSP) is set to wrap up on Friday 21 February, and barring any long-term injuries at the Crows, they will go into season 2025 with a settled list.