Adelaide has made three changes for its Round 22 clash against West Coast at Optus Stadium on Sunday afternoon. 

Forward Chris Burgess comes into the team for his first game of the season, off the back of a strong SANFL campaign having kicked 48 goals from 15 matches.

Adelaide Head of Football Adam Kelly said Burgess’ inclusion was a great reward for the hard work he had put in throughout the year. 

“It is good to see Chris get the reward of AFL selection given the consistency and quality of his performances at SANFL level,” Kelly said. 

“He has continued to hit the scoreboard and provide a strong contest ahead of the ball, and the way in which he has led our forwards group across the season has been particularly pleasing.

“His ability to work hard and continually strive to get the best out of himself whilst waiting for an AFL opportunity to present is a great credit to his character.” 

Luke Pedlar has earned a recall to the AFL side after being overlooked for last week’s win against Hawthorn. 

“Luke did everything we asked of him after being left out of the team that played the Hawks last weekend,” Kelly said. 

“He was ferocious in the contest, whether that be in the air or at ground level, and was impactful with ball in hand. 

“The intensity with which he approaches his footy can certainly disrupt the opposition and create opportunities for us off the back of that.”

Veteran defender Rory Laird rounds out the inclusions, returning to the line-up after being managed against the Hawks. 

“After taking the opportunity to manage Lairdy last week he comes straight back into the team,” Kelly said. 

“Lairdy has been terrific across half-back this season and has adapted exceptionally well to the change in role after excelling as a midfielder for the best part of the previous five seasons.” 

As confirmed on Thursday night, forward Taylor Walker has been managed for the trip west, while Brayden Cook and Brodie Smith have been omitted. 

Adelaide takes on West Coast at Optus Stadium on Sunday afternoon, with the first bounce at 4.40pm (ACST). 

Adelaide's Round 22 team is: