Tasmanian ruckman Tim Auckland has joined the SANFL Crows squad to increase the team’s ruck depth after a number of injuries to key players.

With big men Reilly O’Brien (shoulder), Paul Hunter (ankle) and Harry Dear (knee) facing extended periods on the sidelines, Adelaide was in search for a ruckman to cover those SANFL regulars.

The AFL assisted with the search through their AFL NAB Talent Pathway program. 

The young, developing ruckman is 197cm and is in the Under-18 Tasmanian squad. 

Earlier this year, Auckland was invited by the AFL to a ‘talls’ camp in Melbourne in April this year and is coached by ex-Essendon and Richmond midfielder Sam Lonergan at his local club Launceston.

Both AFL Tasmania and the SANFL were fantastic in facilitating such an opportunity for 18-year old Auckland, and the Adelaide Football Club thanks them for helping with the team’s current injury predicament.

After getting his permit organised, Auckland will make his SANFL debut on Sunday against Sturt, replacing Myles Poholke who was named in the initial squad, but was withdrawn to replace Cam Ellis-Yolmen in the AFL team.

Adelaide’s clash with the Double Blues gets underway at 2.10pm at Peter Motley Oval in Unley.