Curtly Hampton will play his first premiership season match as a Crow in Adelaide’s historic SANFL home game at Thebarton Oval on Saturday.
Hampton, 23, has been cleared to return to action against ladder leaders Sturt after overcoming a long-term foot injury sustained during pre-season. The former GWS Giant last played in a SANFL practice match in February, but has since undergone foot surgery which cost him over four months on the sidelines.
The dashing defender has been named in a back pocket for Saturday’s clash at Thebarton.
Strong-marking rookie Jonathon Beech will also return from injury in the much-anticipated match against the Double Blues. The 25-year-old utility was a late withdrawal from Adelaide’s loss to Central District a fortnight ago due to quad soreness.
Paul Seedsman is also a confirmed starter in his comeback from a hamstring complaint.
Forward/ruckman Luke Lowden injured his own hamstring in last week’s win over North Adelaide and was not considered for selection.
The Crows and Double Blues fought out a classic contest the last time the two teams met in Round 10. Sturt is a game clear on top of the SANFL ladder on the back of a 10-game winning streak and will field several former Crows in Saturday’s blockbuster duel. Read the full match preview
The match will be a landmark event for Adelaide’s SANFL team. It’s the Club’s maiden home SANFL fixture in suburban Adelaide and will mark the first SANFL game at Thebarton Oval in over four years.
Adelaide and Sturt members receive free entry to Saturday’s massive clash at Thebarton Oval, which begins at 2.10pm. Children under 18 also receive free admission.
A host of free family friendly activities are planned for the day, including a bouncy castle, face painting, and a signing session with players from both clubs post-match. Two junior curtain-raisers will also entertain spectators leading into the main event. Radio station Life FM will provide live coverage of the clash.
Adelaide’s SANFL squad is:
B: Matthew Leigh (69), Alex Keath (42), Curtly Hampton (17)
HB: Trent Heffernan (62), Andy Otten (22), Tom Doedee (39)
C: Paul Seedsman (11), Cam Ellis-Yolmen (28), Mitch Grigg (8)
HF: Wayne Milera (30), Jonathon Beech (1), Dylan Schoenmakers (66)
F: Keenan Ramsey (46), Harry Dear (38), Harrison Wigg (35)
FOL: Reilly O’Brien (43), Hugh Greenwood (20), Dean Gore (36)
INT: Paul Hunter (37), Mitchell Minns (57), Scott Spriggs (63)
