AFL FOOTBALL operations manager Adrian Anderson says Adelaide must wait until the end of the season to find out what compensation it will receive in the wake of Phil Davis' defection to Greater Western Sydney.

A 20-year-old key defender, Davis is the first uncontracted player to announce he'll be joining GWS.

But his lucrative deal with the Giants can't be lodged with the League until after the Grand Final, so the Crows won't know what they get in return for another two months.

"Prior to the draft is when the compensation gets announced," Anderson told afl.com.au's Chat with the Chief program.

Given he was recruited with pick No.10 in the 2008 NAB AFL Draft, the Crows are expected to receive at least one first-round selection as recompense for losing their young star.

"The compensation will depend very much on his age," Anderson added.

"That means any young player is likely to go towards the higher end of the scale.

"Also, how much he's going to be paid [will be taken into account]. We let the market determine the worth of the player.

"Then that goes to Kevin Sheehan (AFL talent manager) and Andrew McKay (AFL game analyst) and they assess all of the other facts they consider relevant about the worth of that player.

"They make a recommendation and that gets done later in the year."

The decision by Davis to join the Giants has not pleased Crows fans, with many taking to Twitter to voice their displeasure with the situation.

"You obviously feel for Adelaide, losing a promising young player," Anderson said.

"But I guess for Greater Western Sydney, it's good news. They need young players that help build their list."