Promising midfielder Brad Crouch will make his long-awaited AFL debut against Brisbane at the Gabba on Saturday.
Crouch, 19, is one of two changes to the team to play the Lions. Forward Ian Callinan, who missed the Club’s season-opener with a knee injury, has also been recalled.
Recruited from the North Ballarat Rebels, Crouch joined Adelaide via the Greater Western Sydney ‘mini-draft’ in October, 2011. But because he was aged 17 at the January 1 cut-off, was ineligible for AFL selection in 2012. The 185cm, 84kg, onballer spent last season with SANFL club West Adelaide and featured prominently in the Club’s finals campaign.
He featured in all of Adelaide’s pre-season games, but was squeezed out the team for Round One. Crouch forced his name back in front of the Crows selectors last week, amassing 31 possessions, seven marks and four clearances in West Adelaide’s win over Central District.
Crouch will be the 192nd player to represent the Adelaide Football Club. Coach Brenton Sanderson said the teenager from Beaufort had earned his opportunity.
“Crouchy’s attitude after missing out on selection in Round One was great. He went back to Westies and played very well,” Sanderson told afc.com.au.
“Crouchy will play predominantly in the midfield – that’s his natural position and where he’s played most of his footy. He’s a really tough, inside midfielder, but also gives us a bit of class outside the contest. It’s probably going to be wet at the Gabba too, and being from Ballarat he would’ve played every game in the rain growing up.
“We’ve all been waiting 12 months to see Crouchy play, so we’ll let him loose this week.”
Veteran Graham Johncock and Brodie Martin, who started as the substitute against Essendon, have been left out of the team. Sanderson said neither was out of form, but that two “unfortunate” players had to make way for the inclusions of Crouch and proven goalkicker Callinan.
“Graham has been such a good player for us for such a long time, but we’ve just got a bit too much of the same up forward with Jason Porplyzia, Ian Callinan and Graham,” Sanderson said.
“Callinan kicked 40 goals last season and four against Brisbane at the Gabba in Round 21. He’s missed a couple of weeks with his knee, but he’s trained really well and we’re confident in picking him.
“Graham has been a good defender for us in the past as well, but he probably can’t go with the opposition’s small forwards quite as much as he used to. We liked what Luke Brown did as a small defender last game. David Mackay has been giving us some drive back there and Matthew Jaensch has been solid as well.
“Graham will go back and play well for Port. He won’t be out of the team for long because he’s too good a player. It’s the Showdown next week and those games are his speciality. I’m still really positive he’ll have a great season for us.”
Sanderson said Martin would gain match fitness at Sturt.
“Brodie came on as the sub in Round One. He only played a half of football for Sturt the week prior, and a quarter the week before that, so he just needs a full game or two to get his game going.”
Johncock, Shaun McKernan and in-form utility Tom Lynch are the emergencies.
“Lynchy is knocking the door down. He was really good for Glenelg last week and is stiff not to be in the team this week, but he’s not the only one,” Sanderson said.
“Aidan Riley was great for Sturt, as was Sam Kerridge and also Jarryd Lyons for Glenelg. We’ve still got guys ready to come in, putting pressure on the players in the team.”
The Crows will hold a light open training session on Max Basheer Reserve from about 10:30am on Friday before flying to Brisbane in the afternoon.
The team is:
B: Luke Brown, Ben Rutten, Andy Otten
HB: Matthew Jaensch, Daniel Talia, Brent Reilly
C: Nathan van Berlo, Rory Sloane, David Mackay
HF: Brad Crouch, Taylor Walker, Bernie Vince
F: Richard Douglas, Josh Jenkins, Jason Porplyzia
R: Sam Jacobs, Scott Thompson, Patrick Dangerfield
Int: Ian Callinan, Ricky Henderson, Jared Petrenko, Matthew Wright
Emergency: Graham Johncock, Tom Lynch, Shaun McKernan
In: Brad Crouch (debut), Ian Callinan
Out: Graham Johncock (omit), Brodie Martin (omit)
Find out more about joining the Adelaide Football Club at 19thman.com. There’s a membership for every fan, including Reserved Seat, three-game, Victorian, Interstate and supporter packages. Go here to browse online today!
