With key defenders Daniel Talia, Kyle Hartigan and Alex Keath all sidelined with injury, 29-year-old Andy Otten got the call-up for just his seventh game of the 2018 season.

The full-back got the big job on North Melbourne spearhead Ben Brown, who has tormented opposition defenders all season.

He played in front and kept Brown goalless and to just three disposals in the first three-quarters of the thrilling win.

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Post-match, Adelaide coach Don Pyke said he was extremely proud of Otten’s performance against the Coleman Medal contender.

“I called him at six o’clock on Friday night and said you’re going to come in and play and take Ben Brown and Otto being the professional he is said ‘not a problem, I’ll do whatever I can for the team’,” Pyke said.

“He was outstanding tonight.”

As for his future at the Club, Pyke said the 104-gamer’s form against the Roos had increased his chances of securing a contract in 2019.

“He’s played a number of roles for us since I’ve been here so we know he’s a flexible player, a great team man and he’s got leadership skills,” he said.

“All those things work in his favour in terms of looking at spots on the list.