Adelaide has made one change ahead of its clash against crosstown rival Port Adelaide on Saturday night.
The Crows will face the Power at Adelaide Oval in Showdown 57 with defender Mitch Hinge returning to the side after missing last week’s game against Carlton due to suspension.
Backman Brodie Smith has been omitted.
Crows Head of Football Adam Kelly said it was a tough call to make, given Smith’s strong performance against the Blues.
But Hinge’s consistent form prior to his suspension warranted a recall.
“Having Mitch come back into the side after our team performed so strongly last week is recognition of the great footy that he has played across the opening seven rounds of the season,” Kelly said.
“It presented a particularly difficult decision to be made at match committee given that every member of our defence last week played their roles, and played them at a very high level.
“Ultimately it was Brodie who was the one that missed out.
“(But) last week was further confirmation that Brodie is in great form, and that he is pushing his selection claims hard and challenging his team mates to be at their very best.”
Smith is named on the emergency list alongside Sid Draper and Chris Burgess.
Kelly said the selection squeeze was a product of the Club’s strong depth and would hold the Crows in good stead for the remainder of the year.
“We have been saying all along that we have a squad of players that are in form and that gives us confidence that when opportunity arises we have players ready to take that opportunity at AFL level,” Kelly said.
“Last week was a demonstration of that, with four players coming into the line up, all of which were able to execute their roles effectively.”
The Crows will name their substitute one hour before the first bounce.
Showdown 57 will kick off at Adelaide Oval on Saturday at 7.40pm, and will be broadcast live on Channel 7. Kayo and Fox Footy.
The match will follow the SANFL ‘Showdown’ between the two sides, with the State League game starting at 4pm, and also set to be broadcast live on Channel 7 Adelaide.
IN: Hinge
OUT: Smith (omitted)
Adelaide’s Showdown 57 team is:
