Adelaide Crows

Five trade targets for every AFL team: Adelaide Crows

Tipped to make a splash this off-season, we’ve listed some big names as options for the Crows come the trade and free agency window.

Published by
Mitch Keating

Adelaide have flagged they'll be aggressive in their recruitment approach come the 2024 trade and free agency period as they look to take the next step toward premiership contention.

After successful moves for now-captain Jordan Dawson and livewire Izak Rankine in recent years, the Crows are likely to continue their pursuit of local talent who can aid their endeavours in the years to come.

As the current crop of unsigned South Australians in 2024 might not make a big splash, the Crows could be preparing to chase contracted stars or non-South Australian talent come the player movement window.

After missing out on reported targets Will Hayward, Hugh McCluggage and Errol Gulden so far this year, who might Adelaide be preparing to lure to West Lakes in the second half of the season?

We take a look at five potential trade targets the Crows could consider chasing in 2024...

OTHER TRADE TARGETS: BRISBANECARLTON, COLLINGWOOD

Harrison Petty

An obvious selection after the Crows came hard for the Demons swingman at the end of 2023.

While contracted until the end of next year, Petty could be tempted by a move back to his home state should Adelaide rekindle their interest in the Wudinna product.

Able to be used as an intercepting defender or in attack as a forward target who can pinch-hit in the ruck, Adelaide would gain some much-needed flexibility in the form of the 24-year-old.

His value has taken a hit after a slow start to the season, but Melbourne are sure to take a strong stance in negotiations given how highly Petty is rated internally.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 24: Harrison Petty of the Demons kicks a goal during the 2023 AFL Round 06 match between the Melbourne Demons and the Richmond Tigers at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on April 24, 2023 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

So what would Petty cost this year if his form remains on its current trajectory? The Crows won't be parting with a pair of first-round picks in 2024, but will need to pay a premium given Petty's contract status and potential.

Elliot Yeo

Already tied to the Crows in what is said to be an attractive three-year offer from the South Australian club, with one year in the deal potentially near the $1.3 million mark.

Yeo would be a fitting addition to Adelaide's struggling midfield unit, with the premiership Eagle able to inject some pace in place of veterans Matt Crouch and Rory Laird while still bringing a strong contested game.

An unrestricted free agent in 2024, the big upside in a move for Yeo would be the fact that the Crows wouldn't have to hand over any draft capital to attain the midfielder at season's end.

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 14: Elliot Yeo of the Eagles celebrates after scoring a goal during the 2024 AFL Round 05 match between the West Coast Eagles and the Richmond Tigers at Optus Stadium on April 14, 2024 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Will Russell/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

There is a risk in any move for Yeo however, with his well-documented and recent injury battles keeping the explosive asset off the park for extended periods in each of the past four seasons.

Liam Baker

Baker is the left-field option for the Crows to consider given the Tigers hard-nut is likely to be weighing up whether to stay at Punt Road or return home to Western Australia.

But a lucrative enough offer on the table could shift the Richmond star's thinking and would fit Adelaide's plans to get aggressive in the off-season.

Baker would be a perfect addition to Matthe Nicks' ranks, with his leadership, versatility and capabilities potentially having an influence much like Jordan Dawson's arrival at West Lakes.

His agility, physicality, cunningness and ability to play in the middle, across half-forward or in attack could be a difference-maker for the Crows going forward.

Liam Baker following the 2022 AFL Round 19 match between Richmond and Fremantle (Photo by Cameron Grimes / Zero Digital Media)

It's an outside chance, but one Adelaide might weigh up given their desire to add a big fish to their list.

Caleb Daniel

A bit like Baker, Daniel can slot into several roles on the ground and hold up his end of the bargain.

The smaller-framed All-Australian is contracted for the coming years, but given his season so far under Luke Beveridge - having fallen out of favour for most of the first half of 2024 - the situation could spike some intrigue from rival clubs.

Adelaide would likely be one of those keen suitors given Daniel's status as a South Australian and his potential to have an instant impact at the Crows.

Noted as one of the best ball users in the game, Daniel could slot onto a wing, roll through the middle, slot onto the half-backline or roam forward as a jack-of-all-trades asset.

BALLARAT, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 24: Caleb Daniel of the Bulldogs warms up before the 2024 AFL Round 02 match between the Western Bulldogs and the Gold Coast SUNS at Mars Stadium on March 24, 2024 in Ballarat, Australia. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

With Brodie Smith nearing the end of his career, Daniel could be an astute option to replace the long-serving fan favourite.

Jarrod Berry

Another big name the Crows might consider is Lions midfielder Jarrod Berry, who is a restricted free agent this year and has yet to settle his future in Queensland.

A product out of Horsham, Berry could be the target Adelaide chase in a bid to add some speed and run to their engine room.

The 26-year-old often finds himself as the fourth-string onballer at the Lions given the reins handed to Lachie Neale, Josh Dunkley and Hugh McCluggage, but when he does get his chance in the middle Berry often has a big impact.

Jarrod Berry during the round 22 AFL match between St Kilda and Brisbane on August 12, 2022 (Photo by Cameron Grimes / Zero Digital Media)

Alongside the likes of Dawson, Rankine and Jake Soligo, Berry could be part of a new midfield ensemble under Matthew Nicks as they look to find a balance between contested ball and pace.

Published by
Mitch Keating