2022 has been a rollercoaster for the Adelaide Crows, with Matthew Nicks' side struggling to find consistency through their ups and downs. The young Crows sit in 14th with a record of 4-8 and have had some great wins at stages this season, including back-to-back victories over the Tigers and Bulldogs in Rounds 5 and 6. However, Nicks' side faced a five-game losing streak following the win over the Dogs, before securing a 31-point win over the struggling Eagles in Round 12. To kick off the 2022 edition of this series, we've named five players who the Adelaide Crows could target at the end of this season to help strengthen their squad in 2023. Much like last year's lists, the players we have identified fill a need and are gettable targets and the rankings are in no particular order. Izak Rankine (Gold Coast) The electric small forward has taken his game to another level this season for the much-improved Suns. The 22-year-old has kicked 12 goals in his 10 appearances, just four shy of his career-best goal tally of 16 from last season and seems to be settling into AFL life. Since being drafted with Pick 3 in the 2018 Draft, Rankine has constantly been linked with a return home and remains out of contract at season's end. Reports from earlier in the season suggested Rankine was close to signing a new deal with the Suns but so far nothing has been confirmed and the upturn in the Gold Coast's form could entice Rankine to stay. However, Rankine would provide the Crows with some much-needed skill, flair and excitement in their forward line and if available towards the season's end, you'd expect Adelaide officials to come calling to secure his services. [caption id="attachment_98578" align="alignnone" width="2463"] GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 25: Mabior Chol, Izak Rankine and Ben Ainsworth of the Suns celebrate a goalduring an AFL Practice Match between Gold Coast Suns and Port Adelaide Power at Metricon Stadium on February 25, 2022 in Gold Coast, Australia. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)[/caption] Jason Horne-Francis (North Melbourne) Probably more of a target when his contract runs out at the end of 2023, Jason Horne-Francis has had his first season riddled with whispers about returning to South Australia. The number one pick has only missed one game this season for the Kangaroos and has shown his quality and explosive potential in glimpses this year. Both South Australian clubs would be keeping tabs on Horne-Francis and would jump at the opportunity to bring him home if he chose to leave Arden Street. The Crows put forward an audacious bid to North for last year's first pick in order to secure the 18-year-old, but the Kangaroos rejected the offer to select him with the opening pick. The rumours just won't go to rest, and Horne-Francis could be a great pick up for the Crows should he seek a move and would bring some excitement and explosion to the Adelaide midfield. However, it would take an almighty offer from the Crows to even tempt North to part ways with their highly-talented youngster before 2023. [caption id="attachment_119630" align="alignnone" width="2225"] North Melbourne's Jason Horne-Francis. Photo: Michael Willson, AFL PHOTOS[/caption] Tom Highmore (St Kilda) A mature-age recruit for the Saints in the 2020 Draft, Tom Highmore played 13 games in his debut season but has failed to make an appearance for the Saints this season as they continue to impress. The key defender is out of contract at the end of the season and an opportunity seems possible for the Crows to swoop in to pick up the South Australian. An intercept defender, Highmore impressed in his AFL appearances in 2021 and has been showing good form in the VFL for the Sandringham Zebras. The 24-year-old could slot in to shore up the Adelaide backline with ease and become a key part of Matthew Nicks' side in 2023 alongside Tom Doedee and Jordon Butts. Wouldn't cost a lot to prize away and could find great opportunities at Adelaide Oval should he fail to lock in a late-season spot at the Saints. http://gty.im/1323167352 Jack Lukosius (Gold Coast) Another South Australian Sun, out of contract swingman Jack Lukosius has similarly been subject to constant links back to SA since being picked up at Pick 2 in the 2018 Draft, one ahead of Rankine. The 21-year-old has played his best footy in the backline for Stuart Dew, but can play on the wing and up forward when called upon. Lukosius has played 66 games for the Suns and was also reportedly close to signing an extension with the club according to reports. Lukosius would provide some height and composure in the Adelaide side and his elite kicking skills could be utilised alongside Crows' recruit Jordan Dawson. The versatile big-man has only played six games this season following repeated knee issues and could be a handy pick up for the Crows should they lure him home. [caption id="attachment_36984" align="alignnone" width="1024"] GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 04: Jack Lukosius kicks during a Gold Coast Suns AFL media and training session at Metricon Stadium on November 04, 2019 in Gold Coast, Australia. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)[/caption] Will Gould (Sydney) Uncapped but ready to play, Will Gould could be an ideal target for the Crows in defence for 2023. The defender has been on the cusp in 2022 at the Swans but has failed to crack into the senior side since being drafted with the 26th pick in 2019. Hailing from Glenelg, the big-bodied youngster would most likely find opportunities in Adelaide and could develop into a handy backman at the Crows. Out of contract at season's end, Gould could be available for cheap and much like Highmore, would benefit from a change of scenery should the opportunity come knocking. The 21-year-old is fresh off a 26-disposal, 10-mark game in the VFL, continuing his great form in the reserves and would be frustrated with his lack of opportunity at Sydney. The Crows would be silly not to at least look at Gould in the off-season to join the club's group of young up and coming players, and at the very least would provide some depth should injuries occur. [caption id="attachment_98126" align="alignnone" width="2560"] MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JULY 13: Will Gould of the Swans looks on during the Sydney Swans training session at Lakeside Stadium on July 13, 2021 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)[/caption]
