GWS teenager Jackson Hately has emerged as a prime recruiting target for Adelaide.
Hately, the Giants’ young South Australian onballer, has played 12 games since being taken with pick 14 in the 2018 national draft.
But the 190cm midfielder, out of contract this year, has found it difficult to hold his spot in a talent-laden GWS engine room and hasn’t got a look-in at senior level since Round 7.
It’s understood the Crows have made Hately a priority and have registered their interest in the 19-year-old, who was recruited from SANFL club Central Districts.
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The Crows have plenty of decisions to make as they plot their path of progress. They hold two first-round draft picks, but have enquired about Jack Graham and face a decision on restricted free agent Brad Crouch.
And not for the first time, the Giants have plenty on their plate when it comes to settling on a playing list that’s stretching the salary cap to its limit.
Zac Williams, Jeremy Cameron, Harry Perryman, Jye Caldwell, Isaac Cumming and Jeremy Finlayson are among those also out of contract.
The trade period is eight weeks away and the lack of list size and salary cap certainty has created a fascinating difference in approach among clubs. Some are more reluctant than others to close out new deals.
AFLPA boss Paul Marsh has flown to the AFL transition hub. Talks have started in the last week on a new Collective Bargaining Agreement.