Crows’ hopes suffer a blow
ADELAIDE’S hopes of trading for star South Australian young guns Jack Lukosius and Izak Rankine have been dealt a major blow.
The AFL’s decision to give embattled Gold Coast access to three state league players who have previously nominated for the draft or been delisted has made the Crows’ chances of moving up in this year’s national draft to get picks two or three from the Suns much more difficult.
With Carlton expected to select Victorian midfielder Sam Walsh at pick one unless it can orchestrate a trade for GWS star Dylan Shiel, Adelaide had hoped to wheel and deal — by offering draft picks and an experienced player — with Golf Coast to grab pick two or three.
This would allow it to draft one of the SA teenage sensations it covets.
But it is understood the Suns — having been given the option of taking three matureage players, which could include Sturt's Shane McAdam, dual Norwood Magarey Med- allist Mitch Grigg and West Adelaide utility Chris Burgess — are now focused on keeping their top two picks to draft young talent.
Gold Coast, which also has been given access to two extra rookie selections, has selection two but will also get pick three for losing free agent Tom Lynch to Richmond.
“The Suns’ draft concessions are not a good result for Adelaide in terms of wanting to grab one of Gold Coast’s top picks,’’ an AFL industry insider said. “The Suns want to balance their list and by getting these draft allowances they can now get some good mature-age talent in while also targeting the best young players in the country at the draft.’’