Defender Rory Laird will make his return from injury against St Kilda at Adelaide Oval on Sunday.

Laird, 22, replaces veteran Nathan van Berlo, who has been omitted. It is the only change to the Crows team that beat Greater Western Sydney last weekend.

Matt Crouch, David Mackay and van Berlo are the emergencies for the clash with the Saints.

Read AFL Media’s preview of Sunday’s twilight match

Laird returns after missing a month with a fractured toe. The in-form backman was averaging a career-high 26 possessions, six marks and four rebound 50ms prior to getting injured.

Adelaide takes on St Kilda at 4:10pm (local) on Sunday. Gates open at 12:30pm ahead of the women’s state game between South Australia and NSW/ACT at 12:35pm.

The Saints have won their last two games, but haven’t beaten the Crows since Round 18, 2011.

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Crows coach Don Pyke said St Kilda’s best football could match it with anyone.

“They nearly beat North Melbourne at Etihad about a month ago, and they’ve won their last two,” Pyke said on Thursday.

“They’re a good, strong team emerging. This is a super even competition and every team is difficult to play against, and provides unique challenges.”

Kids get into the game for free this Sunday Funday! Tickets are available at ticketek.com.au and are available for junior general admission tickets (kids under 15 years) with the purchase of any other general admission ticket (other tickets will be charged at regular retail price, transaction fees apply).

Get more information in our Game Day Guide

The Club’s AFL team will hold an open training at Adelaide Oval on Saturday (June 4) from approximately 9:15am for up to 45 minutes.

Matt Crouch, Mackay and van Berlo could all line up in the SANFL Crows team, which tackles league-leaders Sturt at Unley from 2:10pm on Saturday. Mackay, 27, will play his first game since injuring his hamstring in Adelaide’s Round Seven loss to the Western Bulldogs.

Ticketed Crows members receive free entry to the Club’s SANFL games upon presentation of their 2016 membership cards.

The team is:
IN – Rory Laird
OUT – Nathan van Berlo (omitted)