Adelaide’s head of development Marco Bello has been pleased with the progress of Billy Frampton.
The 25-year-old is out of contract with the Crows this year and is being heavily linked with a trade period move to Collingwood.
He played just six games for Matthew Nicks in season 2022, but remains in action for the Crows in the SANFL, starring in last week’s Semi Final loss to North Adelaide by picking up 21 disposals to go with 10 marks and 10 rebounds 50s.
Bello was touching on the development of some of the club’s “strong kids” when legendary Crows coach Malcolm Blight referenced Frampton.
“One of those players is Billy Frampton,” Blight said on Sportsday SA.
“Gee whiz, he played another good game, didn’t he? Can’t he read it beautifully at that level.
“He’s going to be an interesting player. He’s going to be an interesting watch. We know other clubs have supposedly talked to him.
“He might have two more games that’s just going to out him on the big stage if he can keep that form up.”
Bello agreed with Blight’s sentiment while admitting it might have taken Frampton a little longer to find his way in the game.
The former Port Adelaide ruck/forward has played just 24 AFL games across five years in the system, but could now be at the stage where he can take the next step, whether that is with the Crows or elsewhere.
“Absolutely, and I’ve been thankful to be able to see that week in, week out,” Bello said.
“He’s now probably going on a year and a half of playing solid defensive football. He’s obviously played forward and ruck, but for him to grasp the concept of defending (has been important).
“He’s an attacking defender where he’s able to take multiple marks, he reads the ball well, has got a great kick on him for a 200-centimetre (player).
“We’ve been super proud of the way he’s developed. I keep saying that everyone develops at a different rate and maybe in Bill’s case it’s taken that extra little bit to really find his feet.
“If all augurs well in the next couple of weeks, he’ll put his hand up for us especially (in the SANFL), but put his name out there for anyone that is really looking for a key back.”
SEN’s Sam Edmund recently reported that Frampton was basically “over the line” at the Magpies.
Frampton and the Crows are gearing up for the SANFL Preliminary Final against Norwood at the Adelaide Oval this Sunday.