Adelaide has altered its travel routine for the Club’s season opener, departing Adelaide Airport on Thursday morning on the eve of their clash with Essendon at Etihad Stadium.

In past years, the travelling squad would train at West Lakes prior to boarding an afternoon flight to Melbourne. However, following consultation with the playing list, coach Don Pyke confirmed the Crows would have a light run interstate on Thursday afternoon.

“We’ve decided we’ll train over in Melbourne this year, for the first game anyway,” Pyke said.

“We had some discussions with the players and they just felt (like there was an opportunity to) travel over in the morning, get organised, have a run later this afternoon and get ready to play.”

The Crows will have a fresh look against the Bombers on Friday night, with defender Tom Doedee and first-year forward Darcy Fogarty confirmed to make their AFL debuts.

Bryce Gibbs is set to pull on the tri-colours for the first time in a home and away match, while fellow recruit Sam Gibson had ‘done everything he can to get a spot’.

Pyke said match committee would reward those who put in the work over pre-season when Round One teams are announced at 5.55pm ACDT on Thursday.

“We’ll take a squad over, so it’ll be 22 plus a couple of others,” he said.

“There are a couple of guys who have worked really hard and diligently who will get an opportunity, which is great.

“Our theory and our method is really to reward those who have done the work, and that’s what you’ll see when you see the team selected tonight.” 

Ahead of his 50th game coached at AFL level, Pyke is expecting an intense contest under the roof at Etihad Stadium and is adamant the Crows won’t take in players who aren’t fully prepared for the occasion. 

“The reality is we pick a Round One team that we’ve got to be confident has A, done the work and B, is ready to perform and play,” he said. 

“We know what Round One’s are like. They’re fast, furious games of footy and we’re going to make sure we’ve got guys who have done the work and are ready to play.”