Adelaide holds its natural selection in each of the first three rounds of this year's crop as well as Pick 32 which it received as part of the Luke Pedlar trade.
The club is well placed to get some high quality talent ahead of Tasmania's entrance to the draft next year.
Draft hand: 15, 32, 35, 43, 56, 92, 110 (1900 points)
Adelaide was one of quieter clubs in the AFL player movement period, with its decision to stick with Nick Murray rather than accept North Melbourne's trade motivated by a desire to remain active in this year's AFL Draft.
Like many clubs, the Crows are keen to cash in this year and fill some list needs before Tasmania compromises the upcoming draft pools. Three picks inside the top 35 allows them to do just that.
After getting a quality top 15 talent, the Crows are well-positioned with Pick 32 and 35. Very little separates the players from about picks 15-50 in this year's crop so there is every chance the Crows will come away feeling like they have selected three players all pushing first round contention.
Picture: Craig Dooley/AFL Photos
List needs
Key defender: In Josh Worrell and Mark Keane, Adelaide has one of the best backline pairings in the competition but behind them and Nick Murray, who sought an exit in the player movement period, there is little so the Crows would love more depth in this position long term.
Midfield depth: Adelaide's midfield vulnerability has been exposed in its three finals losses across the last two seasons. Jordan Dawson is one of the competition's best players and Izak Rankine is another A-Grader, but it falls off after that pair. Josh Rachele rolled through there at times in 2026 but has stated his desire to hone his focus as a small forward next year
Speed: Adelaide's style of play was vastly different to many teams which prioritised handball metres gained and a chaotic go at all costs nature in 2026. While that's a stylistic choice, adding a player with leg speed capable of playing in a manner cognisant with the modern game would allow them to play in a way which more consistently challenges the best teams in big games.
Potential targets
Jake Eime - There has been some noise linking the local talent to Adelaide and with the Crows entering the draft at Pick 15 he would be right in their mix. He is a difference-maker as a flashy transition player and his running power could also be suited to playing on the wing. There would be an element of romance to him ending up at the Crows given he has trained and played SANFL there as an academy prospect but does not qualify as a Next Generation Academy member given he has not spent long enough as part of their system, the club unaware of his heritage due to an administrative error until this year.
Clancy Snell – The Crows could do with a key defender to develop in the background as Worrell and Keane rule the airways in 2027 – particularly given Murray has shown a willingness to leave and Jordon Butts has departed. Mitch Harris was linked to Adelaide last month but will be off the board by its first pick and there is every chance Tyson Bradley will too. Snell is one who could be in their sights
Leo Steed – The Crows are in need of midfield depth for that has been the area which has held them back in the last two finals series – though, they are in a win-now phase which a teenaged midfielder won't necessarily address. Steed is a draft stud and if still available at Pick 15 should be heavily in consideration as a contested ball-winner. If they look elsewhere with their first pick and use their second on a midfielder, Jackson Phillips and Lachie Hicks, though different types of mids, are players who could enter their calculations.
Anthony Long – A small forward who kicked three goals in each of the first two games of the National Championships, Long shapes as a late selection in this year's crop. He possesses x-factor and raw talent and is close to Adelaide star Izak Rankine. Started the season well for West Adelaide and also got two senior SANFL opportunities for the Crows.
