Adelaide’s preparations for season 2026 officially began this week, as its one-to-four players returned to training.

The Crows’ crop of young players were also joined by a host of experienced faces, as nearly 40 players hit the track to begin their first pre-season block of training before Christmas.

Executive General Manager of Football Adam Kelly said the squad had returned to the track in a solid condition.

“We are off and away officially in preparation for season 2026 with the return of our one-to-four year players but the reality is that the players have been working hard across the off-season to get ready for this return,” Kelly said. 

“This was evidenced by the condition that our players have presented themselves in and that we had almost 40 players return yesterday, when only 16 were actually required to be here, is a sign of the players commitment. 

“We don’t take for granted the responsibility demonstrated by our players in making their off season period count and that sets us up well for the pre-season ahead.

“As of next Monday we will have all players back at training and very few of them will be in the rehab group.”

Adelaide will be joined by two train-on players on Wednesday, in 18-year-old Tom McGuane from Coates Talent League Club Western Jets, and 24-year-old Zac Foot from VFL Club Southport. 

The pair join the program under the AFL’s Supplemental Selection Period (SSP) rules, as the Club has one vacant spot on its rookie list. 

The entirety of Adelaide’s squad will officially return to training on Monday, December 1.