Crows keep options open

ADELAIDE could finish the AFL trade period on Thursday with five top-20 draft picks for the next two years — and declare this a success.

And it also could use contracted forward-midfielder Charlie Cameron’s wish to be at Brisbane as the trigger to revisiting a move on contracted Carlton midfielder Bryce Gibbs and contracted Essendon defender Aaron Francis.

Player agent Colin Young — who has reason to push the case for stockpiling draft picks as he manages Cameron — notes Adelaide could come out this trade period with the arsenal to set up its list for “the next 10 years”.

Adelaide currently has two first-round picks in next month’s AFL national draft - No. 10 (from Jake Lever’s move to Melbourne) and 16 — and two for next year with its own and Melbourne’s from the Lever trade deal.

The fifth top-20 draft pick could come from Brisbane in return for Cameron, who is adamant he will not stay with Adelaide when his contract expires at the end of next season.

The Lions have draft picks Nos. 1, 12, 18 (compensation for losing free agent Tom Rockliff to Port Adelaide) to tempt Adelaide.

Adelaide still has trade observers questioning if the Crows will make a new move on Gibbs, the 28-year-old South Australian who has two years to serve on his five-season contract with Carlton.

His asking price would again be high considering the Blues cannot afford to lose midfield power, particularly when Gibbs plays such as major role in Carlton’s game.

Adelaide list manager Justin Reid, who carries the scars on his public commentary on Gibbs in last year’s trade fiasco, is adamant — at least publicly — the Crows will back in their own talent rather than visit the Gibbs’ file.

“There’s still some noise there (with Gibbs) but nothing has changed from our point of view,” said Reid.

Reid also is guarded on addressing the Francis issue while the 2015 first-round draftee (No. 6) is under contract with a two-year extension signed just 13 months ago at Essendon.

But the Bombers recognise the need to allow Francis to re- turn to his home base for personal reasons related to the death of his older brother.

Essendon football chief Rob Kerr is not blocking Francis’ go-home request.

“We have some understanding and sympathy for his personal circumstances and why he might want to move home,” Kerr said.

“But it would have to be a deal that was satisfactory for that to occur.

“If that doesn’t happen, we’re more than happy to keep working with him and help him develop into the footballer that we believe he can be.”

We have some understanding and sympathy for his personal circumstances and why he might want to move home ROB KERR ON AARON FRANCIS