Adelaide will receive a third round draft selection as compensation for defender Jake Kelly exercising his free agency rights to join Essendon.

Under AFL rules, the Crows secure Pick 42 with Kelly joining the Bombers as an unrestricted free agent, after playing 110 games in the tri-colours.

Crows General Manager List Management and Strategy Justin Reid thanked Kelly for his on and off-field contribution and paid tribute to his hard-working approach. 

“We respect his reasoning for wanting to return to Melbourne and the compensatory draft selection adds to our options heading into the trade and draft period,” Reid said. 

“Jake’s work ethic and attitude ensures he gets the best out of himself and we wish him well for the next phase of his career.” 

Adelaide currently holds selections 4, 23, 37, 42, 60, 64 and 78 in next month’s national draft.