A potential midfield-forward combination of Izak Rankine and Josh Rachele could be the catalyst in Adelaide's 2025 plans, with the duo exciting onlookers at training as they continue to carve out roles in Matthew Nicks' engine room.
Rankine proved his value as a midfield asset last year after making the move from attack, adding flair and speed to an ensemble needing a new gear.
The former Sun was in All-Australian contention as a goalkicking ball winner before injury and suspension limited his career-best campaign.
The 24-year-old is expected to see an increase in his midfield reps this year as the Crows look to snap their September drought, with Rankine to spearhead a central group also home to skipper Jordan Dawson and emerging youngster Jake Soligo.
Top draftee Sid Draper could also break through for a stint at centre bounces in his maiden campaign, but it's former first-round selection Josh Rachele who has caught the eye this summer via his efforts as a midfield option.
Speaking to media on Friday, veteran Ben Keays said both Rankine and Rachele have been "electric" through midfield in the pre-season to buoy the playing group's hopes for the year to come.
"Izak through the midfield was electric, as he always is," Keays said after the Crows' session at Norwood.
"(Rachele) has been electric. He's a really hard worker, so it's not surprising he's improved so much since he came to the Club.
"He's been doing some stuff in the midfield and we love him up forward as well. Good goal sense and really selfless around goal. He's been fantastic."
Rankine's move to the middle last year also saw Keays thrive with greater freedom as a forward after spending the previous years on the ball.
Keays enjoyed his best season from a nine-year career in 2024, tying with Dawson to share the Malcolm Blight Medal - his maiden best and fairest gong.
With Keays getting another pre-season as a forward under his belt, the 27-year-old expressed his excitement for what 2025 could uncover.
"I was just trying to be consistent in that role and I felt like I got my head around it, learnt it really well and was just trying to perform," Keays said.
"I guess it was just putting in a body of work learning the role and working with the guys up forward, so I am really looking forward to working with the guys there again.
"They've been brilliant, teaching me how to do it, and I'm really excited."
Adelaide's pre-season schedule will see the Crows clash with Port Adelaide at Mt Barker on Friday, February 21 before meeting with Brisbane in Queensland the following Thursday for their Community Series commitments.
The Crows' home and away campaign gets underway with a Round 1 bout against St Kilda at Adelaide Oval on Sunday, March 16.
