Adelaide aims for elite recruits following failed pursuit of Zac Bailey
AFL • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 9, 2026, 7:57 AM
Last updated Sep 9, 2026

Adelaide coach Matthew Nicks confirmed the club remains active in the player recruitment market after missing out on Brisbane playmaker Zac Bailey. Bailey recently committed to the Lions with an eight-year contract extension. Adelaide is preparing to face Brisbane in a semi-final at the Gabba this Saturday night. Nicks stated that the club continues to prioritize building its roster with high-character talent, citing the previous additions of Jordan Dawson and Izak Rankine as successful recruitment models. The team earned a spot in the semi-final following an elimination final victory against the Western Bulldogs, marking the club's first playoff win since 2017. Nicks acknowledged the upcoming match as a test against Chris Fagan, whom he credited as a significant influence on his own coaching development.
- •Brisbane playmaker Zac Bailey signed an eight-year deal to remain with the Lions.
- •Adelaide will face Brisbane in a semi-final at the Gabba on Saturday night.
- •Coach Matthew Nicks previously recruited Jordan Dawson and Izak Rankine to Adelaide.
- •The Crows advanced to the semi-final after defeating the Western Bulldogs in an elimination final.
- •Nicks described Brisbane coach Chris Fagan as an influential figure in his coaching career.
- 7:57 AMAFL — Cashed-up Crows to go big-name hunting again after missing Lions star
"Adelaide coach Matthew Nicks says the Crows will continue to make big plays for rival talent after missing out on luring a Brisbane star
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