Tom Doedee will make his Crows debut in Sunday’s SANFL Showdown V at Mannum Oval.
The 19-year-old defender was cleared by Club medical staff to return to action after overcoming knee tendonitis which interrupted his first pre-season as a Crow.
Doedee, who was Adelaide’s second selection at last year’s AFL National Draft, has been named on the bench in a strong Crows lineup for Sunday’s clash with Port Adelaide.
Tough midfielder Jarryd Lyons will play his first game for premiership points in the SANFL this weekend. Lyons, who featured in all three of Adelaide’s NAB Challenge games, was the Club’s travelling emergency for last week’s clash with North Melbourne at Etihad Stadium.
Veteran Nathan van Berlo further strengthens Heath Younie’s squad for the match against the Magpies.
SANFL captain Luke Carey is the only confirmed starter from Adelaide’s development squad. Dean Bailey Award winner Matthew Spencely and former Central District midfielder Brock Castree have been named on an extended interchange which will be reduced by two on game day.
Defender Kyle Hartigan is the only omission from the side that defeated reigning premiers West Adelaide by 74 points in the opening round. Hartigan will play in Saturday’s AFL Showdown at Adelaide Oval. Lyons, Riley Knight and Sam Shaw have been named as emergencies for the senior side.
SANFL Crows must capitalise on fast start
Sunday’s match continues the Club’s commitment to bringing League football to regional communities. Adelaide’s inaugural home SANFL game was held in Clare two years ago, and the Crows played in the Mid North town of Balaklava last season.
Crows SANFL coach Heath Younie said it was a privilege to take the game to the people.
“It’s fantastic, more than 25 per cent of our supporter base is from the country,” Younie said.
“It’s great to take our game into the River Murray area. Early days, we had a number of players that represented our footy club in the SANFL from that particular competition. So we’re just giving something back.
“It’s a great opportunity for all supporters, whether that’s Port or Adelaide, to get up close with some AFL players and really support the local competition.”
Senior Coach Don Pyke and Brownlow Medallist Mark Ricciuto will be among several special guests at a VIP luncheon ahead of Sunday’s clash at Mannum Oval. A host of events are planned for the day, including a curtain-raiser between Mannum and the Imperials, a family friendly kids’ zone, and a half-time signing session with players from both clubs.
Crows ticketed members receive free entry to the match, which kicks off at 1.40pm, upon presentation of their 2016 membership card. The match will also be broadcast live on 7Mate.
Adelaide’s SANFL squad is:
B: Andy Otten (22), Luke Carey (59), Jake Kelly (47)
HB: Ricky Henderson (45), Sam Shaw (34), Nathan van Berlo (7)
C: Harrison Wigg (35), Mitch Grigg (8), Riley Knight (3)
HF: Jonathon Beech (1), Harry Dear (38), Charlie Cameron (23)
F: Keenan Ramsey (46), Luke Lowden (40), Troy Menzel (32)
FOL: Reilly O’Brien (43), Jarryd Lyons (31), Dean Gore (36)
INT (from): Cam Ellis-Yolmen (28), Hugh Greenwood (20), Tom Doedee (39), Brock Castree (58), Matthew Spencely (50)
IN: Doedee, Lyons, van Berlo
OUT: Hartigan (AFL)
