Adelaide will enter the new season hoping to make their mark on the premiership race, with a handful of new recruits and the maturity of their emerging ranks set to buoy their finals chances in 2025.
The Crows were one of the more aggressive sides over the off-season, bringing in experienced talent to help with their tilt for a top eight spot.
Their new arrivals land at West Lakes at the same time the club's younger contingent prepares to reach new heights, while another top 10 draft star will also look to make his mark.
Ahead of a new campaign, we look at how the Crows could suit up for the 2025 season by listing their best side of 23 players.
Our Best 23 for 2025 series will include players unavailable for the start of the season, only excluding players who are expected to miss most/all of the season through injury/suspension.
1. Defenders
Durability and cohesion will be key for the Crows' rearguard in 2025, with the club's last line having battled constant injury issues over the past several seasons.
Their setbacks have helped in some ways, opening the door for fresh faces to grow their own game and now leave Matthew Nicks with plenty of competition for senior spots.
Nick Murray and Mark Keane will likely resume their roles as the first and second-string key defenders, with Josh Worrell likely getting the nod ahead of Jordon Butts for the third role in Adelaide's back seven.
Top 2023 draftee Dan Curtin - who is more than capable of playing in midfield or attack - could be called on to hold a role in defence as an intercepting option, with fellow emerging youngster Max Michalanney to be the lockdown option for smaller opposition forwards.
Dashing defender Luke Nankervis was a clear positive throughout 2024, partnering nicely with Mitch Hinge off half-back.
New recruit Isaac Cumming should be able to offer a similar service but can also feature further up the field, with the aforementioned Butts, club great Rory Laird, young stopper Hugh Bond, the returning Wayne Milera and the uncapped Oscar Ryan also live options for defence.
