South Australian draft prospect Isaac Keeler will be in the open draft pool after Adelaide chose not to nominate him under Next Generation Academy rules.
Under the AFL’s rules – which have changed for this year – clubs only have priority access to their NGA products after pick 40 in the National Draft.
But Keeler – who has enjoyed a strong season for North Adelaide – will likely be out of reach for the Crows, leading to the decision.
Speaking on SEN SA Breakfast, Keeler said he didn’t hold a grudge and instead thanked the Crows for his journey to date.
“They chose not to nominate me because they didn’t have a pick around then,” Keeler explained.
“I’m fine with that, they’ve done a lot for me as a person and a player, but I’m pretty grateful for the experience with them.”
When asked if that suggests he’s expected to go early in the draft, the 18-year-old replied: “Yeah, I guess you’re right in saying that”.
After bringing in ex-Sun Izak Rankine during the AFL trade period, the Crows have picks 46, 56 and 59 in the draft.
Keeler is speculated to be taken within the first two rounds of the draft, but the Crows can still draft him should he slip down the order.
However, it’s not an undesirable situation for Keeler, who says he’s looking forward to the likely move interstate.
“I’m pretty keen, personally,” he said on the chance of not getting drafted by a South Australian club.
“(There are) more bigger and better opportunities interstate, I’m pretty keen for the move.”
Keeler describes himself as a key forward that can pinch hit in the ruck, while also pointing to his agility as a key strength for a 198cm prospect.
The National Draft runs over two days on November 28 and 29.