ON the surface, it was one of the most curious moves of the trade period.

But Adelaide's decision to move down four spots in the prized first round of the draft order should not hurt it.

DAVID KING: FINALS A PASS MARK FOR WALSH'S CROWS

For the most part, Adelaide made the swap of picks with Geelong in a bid to bump up its second (No. 35) and third round (No. 43) selections, where the middle layers of this year's draft are widely seen to be richer than most years.

But the beauty of swapping its first pick down from No. 10 to No. 14 is that Adelaide still stands to nab either the big slider of this year's draft class, gun tall forward-ruck Peter Wright, or the blue-chip backman the club needs with its first selection.

Recruiters are calling this month's draft 'the year of the key defender', given the glut of high-class and versatile backmen at the top of the order.

Adelaide's recent draft history. Source: Herald Sun

And after parting ways with Phil Davis to Greater Western Sydney three years ago and retired full-back Ben Rutten last season, the Crows are ideally-placed to land a top-rated stopper to partner Daniel Talia in defence.

While the availability of key forward Wright might come as a pleasant surprise, at least one of Geelong Falcons swingman Hugh Goddard (196cm), Murray Bushranger defender Caleb Marchbank (193cm) or South Australian backman Sam Durdin (197cm) should still be there at pick No. 14.

List manager David Noble said the decision to move down four picks in the first round would not cost the club.

"We wouldn't have slid off 10 if we thought the (difference in) talent was substantial," Noble said.

"We were very comfortable manoeuvring our way backwards a little bit in the early couple, to bring our two back-end picks up substantially."

Crows ball magnet Matt Crouch will be seeking greater senior opportunities in 2015. Picture: Sarah Reed Source: News Corp Australia

With their improved second or third round picks, adding "a bit of outside run" is on the Crows' radar, after missing out on slick wingman Jared Polec a year ago.

If they had added Polec's speed and precision, you wonder whether the Crows would have secured the extra win it required to make the eight this year?

At the end of the trade period, the Crows netted 203cm ex-Hawthorn goalkicker Luke Lowden — topping up an impressive forward arsenal, and teammate Kyle Cheney — for some extra defensive coverage and three picks inside 43. All for giving up not much.

Despite playing only one senior game in six years at Hawthorn, Noble said Lowden's speed would cause the opposition headaches and challenge Jenkins for the centre half forward spot.

"Josh has done fantastic job kicking 40 goals but no one has a hold on any position," he said.

"And when you go into a new season, we just like the fact that there is some genuine tall support for Jacobs and some challenges for the opposition to match-up on a tall guy who has got speed and can go forward and take a catch."

The Crows are optimistic about the prospects of young key defenders Sam Siggins (pick No. 62) promoted rookie Kyle Hartigan, who will get every opportunity to step up this season.

But the full-back position is arguably the biggest quandary for the Crows, especially if Talia gets hurt, with seemingly all other areas covered.

Noble believed "we think we've got most areas in reasonable shape", but said new coach Phil Walsh wanted to "build that defensive end" in the trade period, and possibly, the draft.

"(Andy) Otten with a knee and 'Shawry' (Sam Shaw) coming of a knee, it was an area we needed to bolster with a bit of experience and we know that Kyle is very competitive and can bat above his weight," Noble said.

"So that gives us great flexibility, so we don't have to pull your defence around too much."

DRAFT DECIDER

Adelaide's options

Hugh Goddard (Geelong Falcons)

H: 196cm W: 94kg

Key defender/forward

Goddard is a Ben Reid-style swingman who looked more comfortable in defence in the later part of the season. Has a quick step, athleticism and nice disposal for a key position player, attributes that can make him look like a big midfielder at times. Will need to develop his aerial capabilities to thrive at AFL level.

Peter Wright (Calder Cannons)

H: 203cm W: 102kg

Forward-