Adelaide has made three changes ahead of its Round 24 match against West Coast in Perth on Saturday night.
Forward Lachlan Gollant and defender Patrick Parnell come into the side, while Luke Pedlar has also been named in the starting 22, after featuring as the Crows’ substitute last week against Sydney.
Crows Head of Football Adam Kelly said Pedlar had performed well as the substitute and earned a recall.
“Luke came on at half-time against Sydney and did just as we would hope for in the sub role, positively impacting the game, winning critical contested possession and being a physical presence around the ball,” Kelly said.
“Luke’s progress this year has been really pleasing and he gets the opportunity to finish the year off strongly this week.”
Kelly said Gollant and Parnell had worked hard in the State League and would be welcomed additions to the team.
“Lachie’s form has been strong throughout the season but in particular the past month, during which he has really hit the scoreboard,” Kelly said.
“He thoroughly deserves his chance this week and comes into the line-up with his confidence high.
“Patty is another in the squad that has been consistently good at SANFL level awaiting an opportunity to present in the AFL team.
“He gets the opportunity this week to add to his AFL experience, a level where he has already shown he can perform at, including a stand out performance against the Saints in Round Nine.”
As announced earlier in the week, forward Shane McAdam (cheekbone) and midfielder Rory Sloane (eye) will miss the clash against the Eagles through injury.
Forward Riley Thilthorpe has been omitted but Kelly confirmed he would be named as the Crows’ substitute.
“Riley will play as our sub this week,” Kelly said.
“While we have favoured smaller types in the role throughout the year to good effect, we believe Riley has the capability to impact, even outside of the customary forward/ruck role he has played during the season.
“His mobility and running capacity can be utilised in various ways.”
Defender Luke Nankervis, as well as midfielders Sam Berry and Ned McHenry, join Thilthorpe as the emergencies.
Adelaide takes on West Coast at Optus Stadium on Saturday at 7.40pm ACST (6.10pm local).
Adelaide’s Round 24 team is:
