Former AFL recruiter Matt Rendell has outlined fringe GWS midfielder Conor Stone as a player Adelaide should target, highlighting what he believes is a lack of young midfielders able to aid Rory Laird and Ben Keays.
Speaking on SEN, Rendell said the Crows "haven't got (the) top-liners" as compared to the Giants.
“What I wrote down last year is how desperately they need a 190cm big-bodied inside midfielder who can play forward, and I’ve found one that they need to go after ... Conor Stone. Remember the name".
Described by Phil Davis as a “short back and sides haircut with the personality to match," Stone was recruited at pick 15 in the 2020 National Draft from the Oakleigh Chargers and made his debut in round four last year.
After playing four games, including kicking two goals in the Giants' losing semi-final against Geelong, Stone has yet to appear at AFL level in 2022 due to a hamstring injury, only making his return to the VFL last week against the Northen Bullants.
“He’s from Melbourne, he’s 20 this year, if I was the Crows, I’m going after him," said Rendell.
"He’s got pace, strength and he marks the ball.”
Stone extended his contract with the Giants in August last year until the end of 2024, but Rendell believes that "he's not going to get into (the Giants') midfield" and could be ripe for the picking come the off-season.
