Adelaide are said to be mulling a move that would see them jump two places in the draft order in a bid to attain Oakleigh Chargers ball magnet Jagga Smith.
The Crows are currently placed to start their draft night at Pick 4 on Wednesday evening, with the South Australian club set to have access to one of the premier midfielders on offer from this year's stacked pool of prospects.
Adelaide have been heavily linked to local gun Sid Draper, who looms as a suitable fit for Matthew Nicks' engine room, with the aforementioned Smith, Larke Medal winner Harvey Langford and Vic Country ace Finn O'Sullivan also among the names likely near the top of the Crows' wish list.
One of O'Sullivan or GWV Rebels bull Sam Lalor are expected to land at Richmond first overall, with North Melbourne next in the queue before Carlton are on the clock, with the Blues having moved their way up to Pick 3 in a trade period deal with West Coast.
Mystery surrounds North Melbourne's plans for Pick 2, with the Roos potentially looking at Gippsland Power swingman Alixzander Tauru instead of the long list of midfielders atop the class of 2024.
Carlton, however, could have a similar plan to Adelaide, with the Crows reportedly looking into a potential trade with North Melbourne for Pick 2 to get ahead of the Blues.
The publication's report suggests Adelaide offered the Roos Pick 4 and a pair of 2025 third-round selections for Pick 2, but North Melbourne knocked back that offer.
The Kangaroos' returning offer would see the Victorian club secure a future second-round selection and Pick 4 for Pick 2.
It's understood that the Crows' plans to advance their place in the draft come as they express a keen interest in Smith, who averaged a league-high 33.8 disposals per game in the Talent League this year.
Named captain of the U18 All-Australian team, Smith is a clever and crafty ball winner who had no issue finding the ball this year at VFL level as well.
The Crows will be cautious in considering the gamble of moving up to Pick 2 to secure a player who may be still available at fourth overall, with Smith still a chance to slide past both the Roos and Blues, who may take Tauru and Draper respectively.
Should the Crows remain at Pick 4 and see both Smith and Draper off the board before they're on the clock, then Langford or O'Sullivan would be among the next names on their list.
Speaking on Friday, Langford - a Mount Martha product - said he would have no issue moving interstate to start his AFL career.
"I've been thinking about (potentially playing interstate) for a little while, because I am in contention to go to Adelaide," he said.
"I'd be pretty excited to move, I'll be pretty happy anywhere I go.
"I'll be pretty fine with a move, I'd cope with it well."
The AFL Draft will commence on Wednesday night, with live trades expected to take place across the opening round, while all other selections will be made on Thursday night.
