A number of new and young Crows could earn an opportunity during the NAB Challenge, with clubs again able to field extended playing squads in the pre-season competition.
In the first two rounds of the NAB Challenge, clubs can name squads of up to 26 players (18 on the field and eight on the interchange) plus three emergencies.
Read the NAB Challenge ticketing information
Squad sizes will be reduced to 24 players and three emergencies in the final round of the summer series as clubs fine tune for Round One of the season proper. Senior Coach Don Pyke said the Crows had started discussions about how to structure its NAB Challenge campaign.
There will be no limit on interchanges in the first two rounds. In the third round, a cap of 90 will apply in accordance with the rules of the 2016 Toyota AFL Premiership Season. The cap doesn’t include changes made at the breaks.
Games in each of the first two rounds will feature 20-minute quarters. The first 15 minutes will be set (no time on), while the last five minutes will be timed as per the home and away season (plus time on). In the final round, games will be timed in line with the Premiership Season (20 minutes plus time on).
The popular ‘super goal’ returns for another pre-season, with players to be awarded nine points for goals kicked from outside 50m. In another point of different to the home and away season, rookie-listed players are automatically available for selection in the NAB Challenge.
In line with rule changes introduced for the 2016 Premiership Season, umpires will apply a stricter interpretation of a dangerous tackle and deliberate out of bounds. The size of the protected area around ball carrier will also be increased.
Adelaide's 2016 NAB Challenge Fixture
Match 1
Sunday, 21 February
Adelaide v West Coast
Unley Oval, Adelaide
1:35pm CDT
Match 2
Sunday, 28 February
Fremantle v Adelaide
Sounness Park, Mount Barker (WA)
1:40pm WST
Match 3
Friday, 11 March
Gold Coast v Adelaide
Metricon Stadium
7:40pm EST
