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Crows land flag star as players earn AFL lifelines

Two-time premiership player Callum Ah Chee has finally found his preferred AFL destination, joining Adelaide through the pre-season draft.

A key piece in the Brisbane Lions' back-to-back flag teams, Ah Chee was one of 10 players with AFL experience given career lifelines on Friday.

As has been the trend in recent years, several clubs shifted players to their rookie lists, including Sydney, who re-drafted Jake Lloyd and Dane Rampe.

Lincoln McCarthy (Brisbane), Conor Stone (GWS), George Stevens (Geelong) and Ben Jepson (Gold Coast) were also re-selected by their clubs.

Only six new faces made their way into the AFL system through the rookie draft, led by top selection Fred Rodriguez (West Coast) and Riley Onley (Melbourne).

Collingwood's pre-approved Category B rookie selection Jai Saxena will be the first player with Indian heritage on both sides of his family to play an AFL game if he reaches the highest level.

Ah Chee was denied his trade request last month when Brisbane and Adelaide could not agree a deal.

But with his contract up, the 169-game former Lions and Gold Coast utility was free to join the Crows through the draft system.

Adelaide got their man with the only pick of the pre-season draft.

"We're thrilled to have Callum on board," Crows list boss Justin Reid said.

"He's a quality player with ability to play across the ground and he arrives with two premiership medals from the past two seasons after playing an important role for the Lions in each campaign, including being Brisbane's player of the finals in 2024.

"While we're certainly keen to see his efforts on field, we know that he will be a key contributor off the field as well given the quality of his character."

Adelaide also re-listed Tyler Welsh via the rookie draft.

A host of other players could yet be picked up by AFL clubs through the pre-season supplemental selection period, with Fremantle set to sign Collingwood premiership ruck-forward Mason Cox.

West Coast are expected to pick up recently delisted midfielders Deven Robertson (Brisbane), Harry Schoenberg (Adelaide) and Fin Macrae (Collingwood).