Adelaide has signed former Sydney ruckman Lachlan McAndrew as a pre-season Supplemental Selection Period signing (SSP) before last Friday's deadline.
McAndrew has been training with the Crows in the hope of returning to an AFL list following his delisting, with a potential vacancy opening up over the injured Kieran Strachan.
When Strachan went down with an acute navicular stress fracture in his right foot, sidelining him for a large chunk of the 2025 campaign, the 24-year-old was invited to the West Lakes club, albeit no official spot had been opened on the list.
However, a piece of selflessness from Strachan to step aside - and move to the inactive list - has allowed Adelaide to provide McAndrew with an AFL lifeline as a depth ruck option.
rucks against Kieran Strachan of the Crows during the round 14 AFL match between Adelaide Crows and Sydney Swans at Adelaide Oval, on June 15, 2024, in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Mark Brake/Getty Images)
"Kieran has made a very selfless decision and put the team first," Crows GM List Management and Strategy Justin Reid said.
"Injuries are an unfortunate part of the game and his latest setback exposed us to significant risk in our ruck stocks particularly in the early part of the season.
"He is a very popular member of the playing group, which obviously shares in his disappointment, and at the same time would acknowledge the significance of his decision to be placed on the inactive list for the rest of the year.
McAndrew has impressed over the summer months, receiving the tick of approval from his new coach Matthew Nicks.
Welcome to West Lakes, Lachie ๐๐ pic.twitter.com/NkvXUrw7JJ
โ Adelaide Crows (@Adelaide_FC) February 24, 2025
"Lachie has been great," Nicks said last week.
"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."
The former Swan - who was set to join SANFL side Norwood prior to earning his opportunity with the Crows - also featured in the club's match simulation against Port Adelaide last week.
McAndrew played two games for the Swans in four years after being taken in the 2021 Mid-Season Draft.
