Adelaide utility Dan Curtin will feature in his first AFL game for the season, headlining a list of four changes ahead of Showdown 59 at Adelaide Oval on Friday night.
Curtin made a successful return to competitive football in the Crows’ SANFL win against North Adelaide last weekend, following pre-season knee surgery.
Against the Roosters, the 21-year-old finished with 17 disposals, six marks, five tackles, and three clearances.
Executive General Manager Football Adam Kelly praised Curtin’s professionalism and progress through rehabilitation, with the young Crow set to be a welcomed addition to the team.
“Dan has approached his rehabilitation with great diligence and professionalism and that is a real credit to him as a young player dealing with his first injury of significance at AFL level,” Kelly said.
“It is pleasing to see his reward come by way of a return in the Showdown.
“He brings great physical presence in aerial and ground ball contests and is a great decision maker and executor of fundamentals.”
Midfielder Jake Soligo has been named to return to the team after a blistering performance in the SANFL last week following an ankle injury.
Soligo amassed 40 disposals, seven clearances and kicked a goal in the win against North Adelaide.
“After having his preparation for the season compromised with health concerns and given he was returning from an ankle injury, we gave preference to Jake having the opportunity to get some confidence and condition at SANFL level,” Kelly said.
“He couldn’t have been more impressive.
“We think that performance not only sets him up well for this week but also for the rest of the season ahead.”
Vice Captain Alex Neal-Bullen is back in the side after missing last weekend due to a minor knee complaint, while defender James Borlase has earned a recall following a strong bout of form in the SANFL.
“Alex has had a really strong start to the season. We come to expect a lot from Alex and rely on his ability to continually execute his role and provide great leadership, and he just doesn’t let us down,” Kelly said.
“We certainly don’t take this for granted and we all have great respect for the positive impact he has on our group.
“James has been rock solid all season, he simply hasn’t put a foot wrong.
“That consistency earns great trust amongst our group and builds confidence that we know what we can expect from James and the way in which he will help the team.”
Captain Jordan Dawson will miss Showdown 59 due to personal reasons.
Nick Murray, Charlie Edwards and Finnbar Maley have been omitted.
Murray is named on the emergency list alongside Luke Nankervis and Billy Dowling.
The Crows face the Power in Showdown 59 at Adelaide Oval on Friday at 7.40pm.
The game follows the SANFL Showdown between the two crosstown rivals, at Adelaide Oval at 4pm.
You can get to the games with a Crows Membership, details here.
For all the information ahead of the match, head to our game day hub here.
IN: Curtin, Borlase, Soligo, Neal-Bullen.
OUT: Dawson (personal reasons), Edwards, Maley, N Murray (omitted).
Adelaide’s Showdown 59 team is:
