Adelaide had a quieter off-season compared to recent years gone by, with Matthew Nicks looking to refine his squad rather than bolster it off the back of a minor premiership-winning 2025 campaign.
The Crows' sole trade period play saw them acquire seven-gamer Finnbar Maley from North Melbourne before two-time premiership Lion Callum Ah Chee walked to West Lakes via the Pre-Season Draft.
The draft saw the South Australian club further add to its attacking options with two target forwards, which would prove to be its only two selections of the talent intake.
With a number of players set to enter their prime and other Crows keen to break into the best 23, we take a look at Adelaide's best lineup for 2026.
Defenders
Adelaide's list build has seen Nicks take charge of one of the best defences in the game, if not the best.
The club's tall defensive options could be unrivalled, with Mark Keane and Josh Worrell developing into All-Australian worthy names in 2025.
Add them to the reliable pairing of Nick Murray and Jordon Butts,
Injuries to the reliable pairing of Jordon Butts and Nick Murray have allowed the Crows to toy with different combinations on the last line, but when all four are fit, one is likely to fall on the outer at selection.
Adelaide also has a sturdy smaller lockdown option in Max Michalanney, who continues to grow his game as a two-way weapon in defence. With Michalanney potentially in line for more minutes further up the field, where he can use his defensive strengths and clean kicking, young stopper Hugh Bond could have a larger role to play this year.
Veteran Rory Laird returned to half-back last year and will likely retain his place in defence after a strong 2025 campaign, with the three-time best and fairest winner to be the veteran voice down back.
Wayne Milera and Mitch Hinge will also offer some run out of the backline as the club's ideal distributors, however they'll have some selection pressure from the likes of Luke Nankervis, Charlie Edwards, Oscar Ryan and the aforementioned Bond.
