Ahead of Adelaide’s NAB Cup opener on Sunday, afc.com.au takes a look at some of the bargain priced Crows to keep an eye on and consider picking in your team in 2013.
Josh Jenkins (RUC/FWD) $316,000
Has had a massive pre-season in an attempt to make the key forward position his own. Showed some exciting signs in his 11 games in season 2012. Looks set for a big year.
Graham Johncock (DEF/FWD) $312,000
2012 wasn’t Johncock’s most consistent DT season, he missed a number of games through injury. The 30-year-old has had a solid pre-season dropping around 4kg and could post some big scores with his goal kicking ability.
Ricky Henderson (DEF/FWD) $261,700
Henderson was in and out of the side in 2012, but showed just how damaging he can be in Round 15 when he collected 20 disposals, 11 marks and six goals against the Power. Keep an eye on him in the NAB Cup, he could be a key player for the Crows at both ends of the ground in 2013.
Brodie Martin (DEF) $256,300
Battled hamstring injuries in 2012, limiting him to seven games. Martin showed his capabilities, kicking 3.2 against Port Adelaide in Round 15 after starting the game as a ‘sub’. Knows how to rack up good DT numbers, just needs to hold his place in the side.
Andy Otten (DEF) $243,900
After an injury-interrupted year in 2012, Otten has trimmed up and improved his running over the pre-season. There’s a spot up for grabs in the Crows backline so keep a close eye on him.
Richard Tambling (DEF) $208,100
Only got the one opportunity at senior level last season but played some quality football in the SANFL winning Sturt’s Best and Fairest. He’s another who will be gunning for the vacated spot in defence this season.
Shaun McKernan (RUC) $202,600
McKernan has been working hard on the track this summer with his sights set on the key forward/ruckman role. He’s extremely cheap and is sure to jump up significantly in value this year.
Jarryd Lyons (MID/FWD) $185,500
The inside midfielder made his debut against Port Adelaide in Round Five, displaying clean hands and football smarts around the stoppages. Lyons accumulates possessions with ease in the SANFL, but his biggest battle will be breaking into the Crows’ impressive midfield.
Luke Brown (DEF) $147,700
Has set his sights on stepping up into the defensive role vacated by Michael Doughty. Brown impressed with his work ethic and fast development. Finished off season 2012 with a season-high 26 disposals in Norwood’s SANFL Grand Final victory.
Lewis Johnston (FWD) $140,100
Impressed in the Crows’ intra-club trial booting three goals. Will be looking to perform strongly in the NAB Cup in an attempt to break into Adelaide’s powerful forward line.
Brad Crouch (MID) $108,500
There are massive wraps on this young gun and for good reason. Has had fantastic preparation spending his first year on the Crows list building his body in the gym and playing against mature bodies in the SANFL. Could play a role at any end of the ground and will certainly be one to watch closely during the NAB Cup competition.
Sam Kerridge (MID/FWD) $108,500
Managed to break into the senior side in Round three, in just his first year on the Crows’ list, but went back to the SANFL for the remainder of 2012. Has been one of the standouts of the pre-season, running fantastic times and setting PB’s in the weights room. Kerridge will be pushing hard again to break into the senior side.
