Former Adelaide forward Josh Jenkins believes the Crows need more from their younger players, singling out a quartet of players who were taken in the first round of their respective drafts.
Jenkins feels that if the Crows are to improve in 2022, they’ll need more from youngsters Darcy Fogarty, Chayce Jones, Fischer McAsey and Ned McHenry as they’re the type of players that can really “elevate” a side.
The Crows showed signs of an improving list in 2021, winning seven games and finishing 15th on the back of their 2020 season, where they managed just three wins which saw them claim the wooden spoon.
“I think last year, albeit disappointed with where they finished on the ladder, there were definitely some signs for the next two, three or four years,” Jenkins said on SEN Drive.
“I think they need a few of their earlier draft picks to land. Fogarty, McHenry, Jones and Fischer McAsey, so four of their past round one picks need to give them a bit more.
“Whether they’ve got that under the hood, I’m not sure, but they need to land on a few of those early picks because they’re the ones that can really elevate you.”
With veteran forward Taylor Walker entering the final few years of his career, Jenkins feels the Crows need more from young forward Fogarty who is entering his fifth year as an AFL player.
“If they can get more out of Fogarty as Walker probably plays his last season this year, they’ll need him to turn into a 30-40 a year goal kicker,” he added.
“I’m worried he’s a bit of a ‘tweener’, not sure what position he’s going to end up playing, the talent is obvious, and I’ve seen that first-hand for a couple of seasons.
“If Walker leaves, the number one defender comes his way and life gets a fair bit harder.
“They’ll need a few to step up.”
Adelaide will open their 2022 season hosting Fremantle at the Adelaide Oval on March 20.