Adelaide has addressed recent trade speculations involving former player and Geelong captain Patrick Dangerfield, as the club gears up for an active player movement period this year. Despite reports linking Dangerfield to his former club, the Crows have expressed some interest in the Brownlow Medal winner returning to West Lakes.
However, it seems highly improbable that the 34-year-old, who joined Geelong eight years ago, would depart the Cats, especially considering his initial move was motivated by a desire to be closer to home. Adelaide CEO Tim Silvers has not fully endorsed the rumors of Dangerfield’s potential return, emphasizing instead the club’s focus on acquiring top-tier talent for its list.
Silvers, speaking on ABC’s SA Grandstand, avoided directly addressing the Dangerfield speculation but emphasized Adelaide’s interest in recruiting experienced players entering their prime years. He acknowledged the prevalence of trade and free agency discussions in recent years but maintained the club’s policy of refraining from commenting on individual players, choosing instead to sidestep such inquiries.
“We’ve undergone a rebuilding process, focusing on drafting talented youngsters over the past few years. Now, our next step in list management is to enhance our roster by bringing in top-tier talent in the 22-26 age range. This will be our primary focus over the next six months.
While landing a marquee player may not be feasible this year, Silvers believes it’s premature to determine which top targets might be available in the upcoming off-season. Following last year’s pursuits of Melbourne’s Clayton Oliver and Harrison Petty, the Crows remain committed to enhancing their roster under coach Matthew Nicks.
Avoiding trades for the sake of it, the Crows will diligently assess the available talent pool and act swiftly if suitable options arise. Silvers emphasized the importance of being aggressive in acquiring talent while ensuring that any additions complement the current squad and contribute to their push for success at the top end of the ladder.
While they aim to be proactive, Silvers acknowledged the uncertainty of securing a significant acquisition, particularly at this stage before the off-season.”
“We need to focus on acquiring players who fit our needs, even if they aren’t perceived as big-name signings. Jordan Dawson, for example, wasn’t considered a marquee player when we recruited him a couple of years ago, but he has since become the captain of our team.
“There are various ways to build our list, and we will be proactive in improving our squad.”
The Crows may need to trade their first-round draft pick if they want to secure a significant target, similar to how they acquired Izak Rankine from Gold Coast in 2022.
As of now, Adelaide holds the sixth overall pick in the 2024 National Draft, along with selections 35, 44, and 62.
