Adelaide has made four changes for Saturday’s clash with North Melbourne at Metricon Stadium.

Forward Riley Knight is set to make his first appearance of the season after returning from an Achilles injury in recent weeks.

Knight was one of the Crows’ best players in last weekend’s reserves scratch match.

Riley Knight in last Saturday's scratch match against Port Adelaide. Picture: Harrison Mielke/AFC Media

Defender Jake Kelly and wingman Rory Atkins have both been recalled to the senior side, while veteran Bryce Gibbs has also been named as a replacement for injured midfielder Brad Crouch. 

“We’ll have a look at him (Gibbs) in the midfield. Whether that’s inside or outside, we’ll mix it up,” coach Matthew Nicks told reporters on Friday morning.

“He’s that sort of player that can play multiple roles.” 

14:48

Matthew Nicks Presser July 31

Senior Coach Matthew Nicks speaks to media ahead of the round 9 clash with North Melbourne.

Tom Doedee was ruled out of Saturday’s clash by Nicks, with the Crows opting against risking the defender.

"We don't want to take a risk there coming off a long term injury,” Nicks said. 

“He's up and running and has had a solid week, but a six-day break, it's just not worth risking Tom." 

Brodie Smith will replace Doedee as stand-in captain against the Kangaroos.

02:30

Smith to be Stand-in Skipper

Crows Utility Brodie Smith will tomorrow Captain the Adelaide Football Club. The local boy speaks about what it means to be given the chance to lead this club.

With the upcoming fixture compression featuring four games in 16 days, Adelaide will manage players with a number of Crows set to be exposed to senior footy over that period.

Veteran David Mackay and teenage swingman Fischer McAsey both go out of the side due to load management this weekend, with more players likely to be managed for the Round 10 clash with Melbourne coming off a four-day break.

"We actually see it as a positive with our younger group because it creates opportunity for some,” Nicks said.

“A four-day break is challenging and that’s going to be across the League. 

We’ll get a chance to look at a few more players over the coming weeks and we’ll turn what is a six-day break or a four-day break into a 10-day break for some of our players if they need it.

- Matthew Nicks

Darcy Fogarty, listed as an emergency this week, could be one possible inclusion to face the Demons.

“He trained really well this week but we’re going to hold off another four days, possibly,” Nicks said. 

“We’ll have a look at him into Melbourne and again, that’ll just be what the next four days look like for him, how does he progress again one more step.” 

Saturday’s game commences at 2.35pm AEST / 2.05pm ACST and will be shown live nationwide on Fox Footy. The game will also be shown live on Channel 7 Adelaide.  

Adelaide’s Round Nine team is…

IN: Knight, Gibbs, Kelly, Atkins
OUT: B. Crouch (hamstring), Mackay (managed), McAsey (managed), Doedee (hamstring)