Adelaide will quickly turn its attention to Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera and Will Day as targets for next year following Zac Bailey's decision to remain at Brisbane.
Bailey was heavily courted by the Crows, and looked like heading to West Lakes before backflipping to sign an eight-year deal at the Lions.
Adelaide had offered a record $10 million offer to attain the dual premiership player but failed to successfully lure him to South Australia, with former Brisbane player Luke Hodge believing the noise around Matthew Nicks' future in recent weeks acted as a deterrent.
But now Bailey is off the cards, the Crows are set to pivot to Wanganeen-Milera and Day, who both come out of contract at the end of 2027.
The star Saint genuinely considered a move to South Australia, as both clubs pursued his signature before he penned a two-year extension last year.
Wanganeen-Milera was drafted from Glenelg in the SANFL and has links to both the Crows and Port Adelaide.
Adelaide clearly has the money - funds they would've used on Bailey - to put forward an enticing deal to attract the 23-year-old.
Wanganeen-Milera is a two-time All-Australian, a Trevor Barker Award winner and has played 103 games for the Saints.
Hawthorn Hawks and GWS Giants at University of Tasmania Stadium, on March 29, 2025, in Launceston, Australia. (Photo by Steve Bell/Getty Images)
Day is another South Australian the Crows will attempt to lure across the border.
The 25-year-old will hit free agency next year, and has been a revelation since returning from injury this year for Hawthorn.
Day has played 87 games in the brown and gold since he was drafted in 2019 with Pick 13. He won the 2023 Peter Crimmins Medal, and is seen as the biggest name in next year's trade and free agency space.
He was drafted from West Adelaide in the SANFL, and grew up in the state.
However, the pair will not help Adelaide's premiership chances in 2027 as they search for their first flag since 1998.
Pressure on coach Matthew Nicks continues to mount despite holding a strong winning record in the past two seasons.
Last week, reports indicated Nicks' future was uncertain if they lost the elimination final to the Western Bulldogs.
