The Adelaide Crows have made significant roster changes following the unfortunate injury setbacks suffered by ruckman Kieran Strachan. The club has officially moved Strachan to the inactive list after he faced complications with his foot injuries, paving the way for new signing Lachlan McAndrew.
Strachan, 29, had surgery on his right foot to repair an acute navicular stress fracture last December, which had already kept him on the sidelines for the entirety of the pre-season. After he began running again, he reported new symptoms of soreness. Scans later revealed another stress fracture, leading club management to face the tough decision of sidelining him for the entire 2025 season. This unfortunate situation prompted Strachan to make what Crows GM List Management and Strategy Justin Reid characterized as “a very selfless decision” to place the team’s needs first.
“Kieran's decision exposes us to significant risk within our ruck stocks, particularly during the early part of the season,” Reid stated. The Crows, reliant on their ruck options, understood the gravity of the situation and moved quickly to fill Strachan’s vacancy by signing McAndrew, who offers promising potential as he transitions to the team.
Lachlan McAndrew, 24 years old and towering at 210cm, previously played two games for the Sydney Swans over a span of four seasons before being let go. Prior to this signing, McAndrew had been training with Adelaide since December, aiming to secure another opportunity after he was delisted. Reid emphasized how important it was to act swiftly to find someone to step up, especially considering the team's reliance on depth at the ruck position.
“Lachie has been very impressive over summer and has earned the spot on the list,” Reid commented, highlighting the confidence the team has in McAndrew’s capabilities. The forward-thinking adjustment to the roster reflects the team's commitment to competitiveness, particularly after they had witnessed Strachan’s injuries evolve from bad to worse.
“We completed the necessary paperwork before the SSP deadline on Friday.” The timing of the roster changes fell short of the official announcement until Strachan could make his decision known to the teammates, ensuring the group was informed cohesively.
Matthew Nicks, the Adelaide coach, has also acknowledged McAndrew’s contributions since his arrival. “We brought him (McAndrew) in knowing Kieran wouldn't be there this pre-season and needed someone to work hard and challenge 'Rob' (Reilly O'Brien),” he noted. This encapsulated the strategic mindset within the club to cultivate competition and readiness at every position.
McAndrew was welcomed as the Crows' 12th SSP signing of the summer, following several other recruits from different clubs responding to immediate roster needs caused by injuries. Notably, the AFL is contemplating extending the Supplemental Selection Period to accommodate clubs like Carlton and Melbourne, which recently suffered severe injuries to their players, leading to calls for equity among teams during roster adjustments.
With Strachan’s absence, the Crows now turn their focus on how McAndrew will integrate not only as immediate cover, but as long-term support for their strategy moving forward. Both the management and teammates will need to rally around the new signing as they adapt to this season's challenges. McAndrew, poised for opportunity, stands on the cusp of reigniting his career within the AFL following his previous setbacks.
This decisive move is likely to shape how the Adelaide Crows approach their upcoming challenges, with both Strachan's well-being and McAndrew's success weighing heavily on the team's prospects for the 2025 season. Through resilience and strategic adaptations, the Crows may just find the depth they need to navigate the trials of professional football.