The Adelaide Crows have been urged to make an off-season move for Sydney’s Dylan Stephens.
The 20-year-old, who was drafted by the Swans with pick five in 2019, has struggled to hold down a position in John Longmire’s side over the last two years.
Stephens played eight games in 2020 and has managed just six this season (and was once an unused medi-sub), largely missing out on the club’s climb back up the ladder.
The former Norwood midfielder is out of contract with the Swans this year and his situation should have the Crows making some calls, says Kane Cornes.
“The list manager who has made the most phone calls this year should be Justin Reid,” Cornes said on SEN SA Breakfast.
“He would have picked up the phone way back in January.
“Players like Dylan Stephens, who is a South Australian and was pick five, he hasn’t hit his straps at Sydney for whatever reason.
“He’s going to be your number one type of target. He’s a great character, he’s clearly got leadership potential, he’s just a good human.
“I haven’t seen enough of him to make a call on how successful his AFL career is going to be, but if Adelaide believe he is a 200-gamer then he fits perfectly. Midfield depth, a bit of speed around the ball and can be a part of that younger midfield group.
“He’s out of contract and Sydney, we’re hearing, are having salary cap issues.
“We’ve spoken about the links from Adelaide to Dylan Stephens before. That would be one you would look at.”
Stephens most recently played in Round 21 where he picked up eight disposals in the loss to St Kilda.
The gun South Australian junior has not re-signed with the Swans after the standard two-year contract he initially penned.