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.
1. 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.
