From now onwards, eligible clubs can upgrade a rookie under the AFL’s mid-season elevation rule.
Adelaide has six rookie-listed players: forwards Jono Beech and Keenan Ramsey, ruckmen Reilly O’Brien and Paul Hunter, and ‘Category-B’ rookies, Hugh Greenwood and Alex Keath.
The Crows are able to promote a rookie at any stage in the remainder of the season.
Prior to Round 11, the only way a rookie could be elevated was if a member of the senior squad was placed on the long-term injury list.
Head of Football David Noble said the Club wouldn’t add another player to its senior list immediately.
“The ability to upgrade a rookie to our senior list gives us some more flexibility,” Noble said.
“We’re fortunate to have a relatively healthy squad at the moment and strong competition for spots.
“At this stage, we won’t elevate a rookie unless the need arises, or a player demands AFL selection through his form in the SANFL.”
Jono Beech
187cm, 85kg
9/11/90
Forward
Enjoyed a strong first AFL pre-season and probably would’ve featured in the NAB Challenge if not for an untimely hamstring injury. A mobile and strong-marking forward, Beech has played every SANFL game this season and kicked 10 goals.
Reilly O’Brien
201cm, 98kg
20/8/95
Ruckman
Temporarily upgraded to Adelaide’s senior list last season to help cover long-term injuries. Played one NAB Challenge game this year to go with two in 2015. The competitive 20-year-old continues to impress in the ruck at SANFL level.
Keenan Ramsey
192cm, 86kg
23/8/96
Forward
The second-year rookie has provided a strong target in attack, kicking a career-high four goals against Port Adelaide in Mannum in Round Two. Ramsey has also recently spent time in defence to help bolster Adelaide’s undermanned SANFL backline.
Paul Hunter
200cm, 97kg
9/2/93
Ruckman/forward
An athletic tall developing his craft in his first season of SANFL football. Had an interrupted pre-season because of knee and ankle injuries, but has played the last five games in succession.
Hugh Greenwood
192cm, 90kg
6/3/92
Forward
The former US College basketballer has made excellent progress in his first season of senior football. Greenwood, who hadn’t picked up a Sherrin for seven years prior to being signed by the Crows last September, has impressed with his athleticism and ability to read the play. He was judged best afield in Adelaide’s Round Five win over Glenelg, collecting 22 touches, three goals and seven tackles.
Alex Keath
196cm, 84kg
20/1/92
Defender
Keath, who honoured cricket commitments over the summer, had a delayed start to the season. The athletic key-position prospect made an impressive SANFL league debut against Glenelg in Round Five. Missed a few weeks with a minor knee injury, but returned to play just his fourth senior game against Sturt on the weekend.
