Ruck/forward Kieran Strachan will make his AFL debut against North Melbourne on Saturday after veteran Taylor Walker was ruled out due to a bout of gastro.

The 204cm was a travelling emergency for the Crows and got the nod to play. 

Strachan joined Adelaide via the rookie draft in 2018 (pick seven) and played all 20 games in the 2019 SANFL season.

Traditionally a ruckman, Strachan has played forward for the Crows at State League level given the ruck stocks of Reilly O’Brien and Sam Jacobs in 2019.

Strachan even predicted in June last year that the move would benefit - which it now seemingly has.

“It will pay off down the track, having that extra position I can play… especially being a ruck/forward, it will be beneficial in the long-term,” Strachan said.

Riley Knight, Bryce Gibbs, Luke Brown and Strachan will start the game on the interchange.

Coach Matthew Nicks made four changes to the side that lost to Essendon (not including Strachan), recalling Rory Atkins, Jake Kelly, Bryce Gibbs and Riley Knight for his first game since overcoming an Achilles injury.

Brad Crouch was ruled out due to a hamstring injury while David Mackay and Fischer McAsey are both being managed.

Interim skipper Tom Doedee will not be risked due to a hamstring issue. 

Brodie Smith will captain the side for the first time.

First bounce is at 2.35pm AEST / 2.05pm ACST and will be televised live on Fox Footy and Channel 7 in Adelaide.