Adelaide ramped up its preparations for the 2026 Toyota AFL Premiership Season with a match simulation at its West Lakes headquarters on Friday.

The game was played across four quarters with players split into a blue and a yellow team.

Players were trailed in various positions, while some swapped teams at the half-time break, and scores were altered at times for scenario-based training.

Defence coach Jack Hombsch spoke with AFC Media post-match sim and provided these five takeaways.

Ah Chee’s class

The Crows bolstered their list during the off-season with the addition of two-time Brisbane premiership forward Callum Ah Chee.

The 28-year-old impressed in Friday’s match simulation, particularly in the first half, with his pinpoint kicking to teammates, decision making and accurate goal kicking.

Ah Chee finished the match with five majors.

“He’s slotted in really, really well,” Hombsch said.

“Everyone has noticed and been really impressed by the fact he’s really quick to make decisions and he’s really definitive once he makes them.

“What has stood out is his class and his training standards that he’s brought to the group, and you can see he’s impacting training really positively.”

Mark Keane’s injury

Scans have revealed that Crows defender Mark Keane has suffered a lower leg fracture that will require surgery.
 
Keane injured his right leg in a marking contest during today’s match simulation at West Lakes.

Hombsch said the injury was disappointing for Keane and the team.

“You never like to see any of your players go down on-field, especially seeing the stretcher come out,” Hombsch said.

“He’s a really important player for us, so it’s really unfortunate.”

Who else impressed

Match simulations give the coaches a clear look at how individual players are tracking, according to Hombsch and many players were staking an early claim for Round One selection.

Hombsch was particularly impressed with the likes of Brayden Cook, who has switched from the forward line to defence over summer, and Luke Nankervis, who has been training more across half-back rather than on a wing.

“A number of boys impressed today, across my group it’s been good having the likes of Cooky and Nankervis down there,” Hombsch said.

“James Borlase, Buttsy (Jordan Butts) and Muz (Nick Murray) - our key backs are going really well, Wayne Milera - I could name them all, really, but I was really pleased with the way they attacked it.

“Cooky has got an offensive side of his game that we feel could be really important for us.

“We’ve got a lot of players across the half-forward and half-back lines that we want to be able to play multiple positions, so he’s blended in quite well.”

Draftees’ progression

Crows draftees Mitch Marsh and Archie Ludowyke are continuing to develop after joining the Club in November.

Marsh played the full match simulation, while Ludowyke was managed, and only featured during the first half.

Hombsch said the pair had slotted in well and were trending in the right direction.

“Mitch took a couple of really nice grabs there at the end, he’s a pretty wise head on young shoulders, he doesn’t get fazed by too much,” Hombsch said.

“He’s training quite well and we are really pleased where he is tracking.

“It’s always intimidating as an 18-year-old coming out here in your first pre-season and starting to play games against Tex and Daws and what not.

“Ludo only played half, but similar to Marshy, he’s impressed with his attack on the ball, too. He’s been a lot of fun to watch, but he’s on a bit of a management program, nothing to worry about.”

Walker’s leadership and voice

Crows all-time leading goal kicker Taylor Walker is preparing to enter his 19th AFL campaign after agreeing to terms on a one-year contract at the end of last season.

Walker, who in 2025 surpassed 300 games and booted 39 goals, provided plenty of leadership, voice and direction on-field during Friday’s match simulation.

Hombsch said the team was fortunate enough to have Walker help lead the group.

“He’s going into his 19th year now and you can’t teach that - he’s got that much experience and he always brings it,” Hombsch said.

“He’s such an asset for not just the forward lines, but what he can bring to the midfield and the backline and that connection amongst the group through his experience.

“We expect it from Tex, he brings it every single season and we don’t expect that to change this year.”