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.
2. 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.
