Why two-time premiership skipper thinks Crows should target Power ruck in trade

Two-time Adelaide premiership captain Mark Bickley thinks that the Crows should consider pursuing Port Adelaide ruck Ivan Soldo this trade period.

SEN Chief Reporter Sam Edmund reported on Tuesday that Soldo has a ‘level of disenchantment’ just one year into his stay at the Power after crossing over from Richmond last off-season.

Soldo has played just eight games for the Power in 2024 due to battling a knee injury and has since lost his spot in the side to fellow ruck Jordon Sweet.

With his first season not quite going to plan at Alberton, Bickley thinks the Crows must enquire about Soldo’s services given he’s 28 and in the prime of his career.

He also thinks that the Crows don’t have much ruck depth beyond Reilly O’Brien, who turns 30 next season.

“They wouldn't be doing their due diligence if they didn't (enquire),” Bickley told SEN SA Breakfast.

“Because Reilly O'Brien's 30 years of age next year and if you’ve got a ruckman who’s in the same city who’s a premiership ruckman and is proven to be capable at the level (then you have to enquire).

“Adelaide don't have ruck depth, Kieran Strachan’s had a go and he’s not quite there yet. He’s 29 and there are question marks if he’s ever going to get there and I’m saying it’s unlikely.

“Of course, Adelaide should be looking to add (Soldo).”

Soldo has played 65 career games, with 57 of those coming for Richmond from the 2017 to 2023 seasons.

He was traded last off-season in a deal that saw picks 41, 49 and a future second-round pick go Richmond’s way. Port Adelaide received picks Soldo, pick 50 and a future fourth-round pick in the deal.