ADELAIDE veteran Michael Doughty is poised to play on next season after being offered a one-year contract extension by the club.
Doughty played 19 games this season and in the process became the first former Crows rookie to reach the 200-game milestone, against the Sydney Swans at AAMI Stadium in round 15.
A member of Adelaide's leadership group, Doughty provided experience to a defence diminished by the losses of Phil Davis (injury/GWS), Scott Stevens (retired) and Nathan Bock (Gold Coast).
He also reprised his role as a negating midfielder in the middle part of the season, successfully shutting down Western Bulldogs captain Matthew Boyd and prolific West Coast midfielder Matt Priddis.
Durability hasn't been an issue for Doughty, who has missed just three games in the past four seasons, and he's also been a reliable contributor, having finished top-five in the club's best and fairest award in each of the last three years.
However, doubts were raised over whether the 32-year-old would be part of the club's plans under a new - yet to be appointed - coach.
Last month, interim coach Mark Bickley backed the Crows' oldest player to continue his career for a 13th season.
On Thursday, football operations manager Phil Harper confirmed the club had asked Doughty to play on in 2012.
"We've put something to Michael's manager," Harper told afl.com.au.
"Michael's keen to go on and we're keen for him to go on.
"Hopefully, we sort that out in the next day or so."
The Crows also remain confident of re-signing promising key-position players Daniel Talia and Jack Gunston.
Talia, 19, has previously expressed a desire to remain at West Lakes, but there's been speculation Gunston wants to return to his native Victoria.
Harper was optimistic the club was close to negotiating new deals for both players.
"Jack and Daniel are both in the same boat," Harper said.
"We've spoken to both of their managers and we've been backwards and forwards [with offers] a couple of times.
"We're hoping to finalise something within the next week."
Adelaide is less confident of retaining popular ruckman Ivan Maric, who is tipped to seek greater opportunity at Richmond next year.
Maric, 25, conceded the No.1 ruck spot to ex-Carlton recruit Sam Jacobs this season and was limited to only six appearances with the Crows.
The out-of-contract Victorian's likely departure would be a blow to the Crows, whose ruck stocks have already taken a hit with the retirement of Brad Moran.
There's a short supply of ruckmen in this year's draft talent pool, meaning clubs could look to previously listed players, or the state leagues in search of ready-made big men.
"We've still got Shaun McKernan and [untried ruckman] James Craig, who can play in the ruck, on our list at the moment," Harper said.
"A ruckman wouldn't have been high on our priority list, but if both of those players [Maric and Moran] went it would come up the pecking order."
The Crows, who aren't expected to announce Neil Craig's successor until later this month at the earliest, had planned a quiet trade week, but Harper said the club would become involved if Maric requested a trade to the Tigers.
"If everybody was staying, we probably wouldn't be active but if someone goes we can become involved," he said.
Katrina Gill covers Adelaide news for afl.com.au. Follow her on Twitter: @AFL_KatrinaGill
