In-form rookie Rory Laird has been upgraded to Adelaide’s senior playing list.

Laird, 19, takes the spot of defender Sam Shaw, who has been placed on the long-term injury list as he recovers from a hamstring complaint.

Recruited from West Adelaide, Laird was selected with pick No.5 in the AFL Rookie Draft of December, 2011. The 178cm, 76kg, defender/midfielder earned a Powerade Star Search nomination – the SANFL’s equivalent to the Rising Star – on debut for the Bloods last season and was part of the Club’s finals campaign.

He impressed in his second pre-season at West Lakes, making his Crows debut in Round One of the 2013 NAB Cup. Laird has continued his good form, averaging 28 possessions in the opening three games of the SANFL season.

Laird is eligible for AFL selection for the duration of Shaw’s stay on the long-term injury list, which will be a minimum of another seven weeks.

Under AFL rules, all clubs have the option of promoting a rookie after Round 11 (subject to Total Player Payment requirements).

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