Finals football will be the main conversation among the Crows in 2024, having missed out on the top eight this year in a controversial conclusion to their campaign.

Senior coach Matthew Nicks has the group to steer Adelaide back to September despite a quieter off-season of recruitment.

Pick 8 selection Dan Curtin is the headline inclusion for the Crows, with the Western Australian defender set to join an extensive group of players aged 24 and under who will push for starting roles.

Adelaide's midfield mix will look to expand over the course of the pre-season, while opportunities in defence will be in high demand after some chopping and changing.

The Crows' potent forward line will be a force to be reckoned with in 2024 as a number of attacking options look to reach new heights.

Here's how the Crows could line up next year...

2. Midfielders

Captain Jordan Dawson and veteran Rory Laird will lead from the front once again next year, but their biggest supporter will likely emerge in 2024.

The Crows will be keen to discover who their next man up in midfield is, with Matt Crouch a possibility in wanting to prove his strong form in the back end of 2023 was no fluke. Former captain Rory Sloane is likely to retain a starting role, while Ben Keays is another who's set to share his duties between the middle and front thirds.

Forward Izak Rankine is likely to take on more midfield opportunities and could be the third-string ball-winner at centre stoppages, while fellow small forward Josh Rachele could share a similar role.

Mitch Hinge will likely slot into one-half of the wing partnership after a career-best season at West Lakes, with Chayce Jones or Wayne Milera potentially pushing up to take the other flanker, and Jake Soligo would be another who rotates up the wing.

Adelaide, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 5: Jordan Dawson of the Crows celebrates a goal during the 2023 AFL Round 21 match between the Adelaide Crows and the Gold Coast SUNS at Adelaide Oval on August 5, 2023 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Sarah Reed/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Lachie Sholl is another wingman to consider, while Harry Schoenberg is a chance to earn a starting role after a dominant year at the SANFL.

Reilly O'Brien will again lead the ruck department and will have the support of burgeoning big man Reilly Thilthorpe throughout.