Jordan Gallucci will play his first game for Adelaide in Sunday’s JLT Community Series clash with Geelong at Richmond Oval.
Fellow draftees Elliott Himmelberg and Ben Jarman could also line up after being named in an extended Crows squad of 29. The squad will be reduced to 26 just prior to the match.
Gallucci was the Club’s first selection (No.15 overall) in last year’s National Draft. The 18-year-old is a line-breaking midfielder, who co-captained Victoria Metro and was a member of the AFL Academy.
Himmelberg, 18, was recruited with pick No.51 in the 2016 National Draft. At 198cm and 89kg, Himmelberg is a key-position prospect with great athleticism. He’s the younger brother of Greater Western Sydney utility Harrison.
Jarman became Adelaide’s first-ever father-son selection when he was picked up in November’s Rookie Draft. The 18-year-old is the son of two-time Crows premiership hero Darren Jarman. Ben is a small forward with excellent skills by hand and foot.
Forward Riley Knight and defender Luke Brown will make their maiden appearances of 2017.
Knight, who missed the match against Richmond as part of his pre-season management, will play his first senior game since the Club’s Round Three win over the Tigers last year. A revelation in 2015, the hard-running forward/wingman missed a large chunk of last season with an ankle injury.
The reliable Brown is poised to make his return from a groin complaint against the Cats.
Dean Gore, Hugh Greenwood and Paul Hunter, who missed out last week after being included in the initial squad, might also get an opportunity at Richmond Oval.
Rookies Greenwood and Hunter are yet to pull on the Crows jumper at AFL level. Former Cat Gore has played four pre-season games, but hasn’t featured in the AFL season proper.
Forwards Mitch McGovern (knee) and Jono Beech (calf) won’t be risked this week after sustaining minor injuries in the Club’s loss to the Tigers. Midfielder Cam Ellis-Yolmen ruptured his ACL against Richmond and requires a knee reconstruction.
Ruckman Sam Jacobs, who experienced back tightness on Friday night, has been named in the squad. Eddie Betts and Josh Jenkins are being rested.
Several Crows, including Kyle Cheney, Jake Lever and Alex Keath, could be available for selection in Adelaide’s last pre-season game against the Brisbane Lions at Noarlunga on Saturday, March 11.
Club members with match entitlements receive free entry to JLT Community Series matches in which their club is competing. Members can scan their membership card at the gate (subject to capacity) or upgrade their membership to a reserved seat or register for a ticket in order to guarantee their entry (subject to availability, upgrade fees may be applicable).
Tickets are available through Ticketmaster.
Sunday’s game will be part of a Crows ‘double’ this weekend. The Club’s women’s team will take on the Brisbane Lions in a top-of-the-table AFLW clash at Norwood on Saturday night. Entry to the game, which starts at 6:40pm (local), is free.
Fans are invited to attend the AFL squad's open training session from about 9:15am at Football Park on Saturday (March 4).
IN: Luke Brown, Jordan Gallucci, Elliott Himmelberg, Riley Knight, Ben Jarman, Dean Gore, Paul Hunter, Hugh Greenwood
OUT: Eddie Betts (rested), Josh Jenkins (rested), Mitch McGovern (knee), Jono Beech (calf), Ellis-Yolmen (knee)
The AFL squad of 29 is:
3. Riley Knight
7. Jordan Gallucci
8. Jake Kelly
10. Harrison Wigg
12. Daniel Talia
13. Taylor Walker
14. David Mackay
15. Kyle Hartigan
16. Luke Brown
17. Curtly Hampton
20. Hugh Greenwood
21. Rory Atkins
22. Andy Otten
23. Charlie Cameron
24. Sam Jacobs
26. Richard Douglas
27. Tom Lynch
29. Rory Laird
30. Wayne Milera Junior
31. Myles Poholke
32. Troy Menzel
33. Brodie Smith
34. Elliott Himmelberg
36. Dean Gore
37. Paul Hunter
38. Harry Dear
43. Reilly O’Brien
44. Matt Crouch
45. Ben Jarman
