The return of forward Shane McAdam headlines two changes for the Crows’ Round 18 clash against Greater Western Sydney at Adelaide Oval on Saturday night.
McAdam comes into the lineup for the first time since Round One after an impressive three-goal outing in the Crows’ SANFL win over Central District last week.
Adelaide Head of Football Adam Kelly said the coaching staff had been impressed with McAdam’s SANFL form and confident it was the right time for him to return.
“Shane has had a frustrating season to date,” Kelly said.
“Following a three-week suspension out of Round One, Shane has suffered a couple of injury setbacks, but we have seen him return to some of the form which has made him an important member of our forward line.
“Shane brings a unique combination of aerial and ground level pressure and speed that has been on show at SANFL level in recent weeks.”
Defender Jordon Butts is the other inclusion after missing last week’s game against Essendon with concussion.
Midfielder Jake Soligo and small forward Ned McHenry have been omitted, along with last week’s substitute Harry Schoenberg.
Kelly said Soligo would benefit from a “freshen up” this weekend after playing 16-straight games to begin the season.
“For a second year player to have already played 32 games, including 16 this year, is testament to Jake’s capability and ability to stand up to the rigours of AFL football,” Kelly said.
“Regardless, it should not be discounted how physically and mentally demanding AFL Football is and over recent weeks Jake’s impact has fluctuated.
“That being the case, we have decided that Jake would benefit from a freshen up this week.”
Sam Berry, Ned McHenry, Elliott Himmelberg and Soligo have been named as the emergencies.
Kelly confirmed McHenry would take on the role as substitute.
“Ned will again assume the sub role, a role in which he has excelled in 2023,” Kelly said.
“It’s a credit to Ned the way in which he embraces that role and impacts the game when he is injected.”
Adelaide takes on Greater Western Sydney at Adelaide Oval this Saturday night, with the first bounce at 7.10pm.
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IN: Butts, McAdam
OUT: Soligo, McHenry
Adelaide’s Round 18 team is:
