Andy Otten will play his first game for the season in Adelaide’s SANFL clash with Central District at Elizabeth Oval on Saturday.
Otten, 24, damaged ligaments in his right knee during the Crows’ final pre-season practice match against the Giants early last month.
Jason Porplyzia will also return from injury after sustaining a heavy corked buttock in Adelaide's inaugural SANFL match at Prospect.
Tom Lynch has been called up to the AFL but Mitch Grigg and Brodie Martin are inclusions and the Crows have added development squad players Tyson Davis-Neale, Matt Thompson, Gene Robinson and Sam Pfeiffer to the squad.
Adelaide State League coach Heath Younie said Otten would be a welcome addition to the side.
“It’s great to see Andy back. He’s worked very hard in his rehabilitation and is ready to go this weekend,” Younie said.
“He can basically play anywhere on the ground, so his versatility will be really important for us against Centrals on Saturday.
“We are all pretty hungry for our first win. You can feel it amongst the boys.”
Former Crows rookie Tim McIntyre has been named for Central District, while defender Luke Barmby is free to play after having a three-match suspension overturned.
In the curtain-raiser, South Australia’s best female footballers will compete in the inaugural Women’s All-Star match. The game starts at 12.05pm.
There is free and secure car parking in the high school next to the ground and also adjacent to the bowling club. Elizabeth Oval’s family friendly area has a free bouncy castle and giveaways for children.
Adelaide’s SANFL match kicks off at 2.10pm with free entry for all Crows ticketed members. Radio station 5RPH will also broadcast the game live.
The SANFL team is:
B: Andy Otten, Luke Thompson, Sam Siggins
HB: Alex Spina, Sam Shaw, Jake Kelly
C: Mitch Grigg, Ian Callinan (c), Brodie Martin
HF: Jason Porplyzia, Shaun McKernan, Riley Knight
F: Cam Ellis-Yolmen, Lewis Johnston, Charlie Cameron
R: Angus Graham, Jarryd Lyons, James Battersby
I/c (from): Rory Atkins, Tyson Davis-Neale, Matt Thompson, Sam Pfeiffer, Gene Robinson
In to 23: Otten, Grigg, Martin, Porplyzia, Pfeiffer, Robinson
Out of 21: Lynch (AFL), Bailey, Osborn (inj), Hurley-Wellington
Crows ticketed members receive free entry to all of Adelaide’s SANFL matches in 2014. Click here to browse the Club’s membership options and join the 19th Man today.
