Adelaide’s SANFL side could be bolstered with height this weekend as injured ruckmen Kieran Strachan and Paul Hunter, as well as 198cm defender Jordon Butts make their case for selection.
First-year Crows Strachan and Butts, who both missed Saturday’s qualifying final loss with concussion symptoms, have passed the Club’s protocol this week and are expected to play.
Hunter, who has missed the past six weeks with a foot injury, will be tested at the side’s main training session on Thursday.
The 26-year-old sustained the mid-foot sprain in the SANFL Crows’ Round 14 loss to North Adelaide.
The trio’s return would free up forward Elliott Himmelberg who carried the ruck-load in their absence on Saturday.
Adelaide SANFL coach Heath Younie said although he was impressed with Himmelberg’s effort, the return of Hunter and Strachan would help his side combat the impact of Norwood’s 200cm ruckman Sam Baulderstone.
“Unfortunately for us, we lost (Strachan) on the eve of (Saturday’s) game, but I thought Elliott did a terrific job, I couldn’t fault his effort and I liked some of the stuff he did,” Younie said.
“Certainly, with Norwood and Baulderstone, we will need to make sure we are competitive in that area.
“Hopefully, having two back (Hunter and Strachan) will allow us to do a little bit more around the stoppage that we did last week.”
With the clash a must-win for the Crows, Younie said his side was aware of just how much was on the line.
“You get the double chance and we have now played that chip, so now all chips go in,” he said.
“The best team will go through, we believe that we’ve played strong enough footy throughout the course of the year to give ourselves the best chance.
“But finals throw up all different curveballs.”
The Crows will face Norwood at Adelaide Oval on Sunday from 12.15pm, before the second semi-final between Glenelg and Port at 3.15pm.
The loser will be eliminated from the finals, while the winner will progress to a preliminary final next weekend.
Tickets to both games can be purchased here, with Crows Essential Members and Under-18s getting in for free.
The game will also be broadcast live on Channel 7 Adelaide from 12pm.
