Two young forwards, a Malcolm Blight medallist and returning All Australian have Rory Laird excited after the Crows’ four-quarter practice game.
Adelaide’s internal trial was canceled on Wednesday due to a number of players being unavailable, but a practice match went ahead in its place with the addition of State League players.
Speaking to the media on Friday, two-time Best and Fairest winner Rory Laird credited the Crows’ SANFL side for getting the match off the ground.
“It was a little bit different, we had a few top-up players from our SANFL team but we made it work this morning,” Laird said.
“We were able to get four 25-minute quarters out and it was pretty much exactly as we’d originally planned.
“The top-up players coming in were fantastic, credit to (SANFL Crows Senior Coach) Micky Godden and the SANFL team to get those players up to speed in terms of our game plan and structures.”
Laird, who averaged 32 disposals per game in the 2021 season, said Darcy Fogarty, Reilly O’Brien and Riley Thilthorpe were standouts on the ground in Friday’s run.
“There were some really good performances,” Laird said.
“Darcy Fogarty was moving around really well, Reilly O’Brien was also a standout.
“(O’Brien) actually moved forward and kicked a few goals as well and some of his ruck taps were fantastic.
“(Riley Thilthorpe is) an aerobic machine - we tried him a little bit on the wing today then moved him into the ruck against Reilly O’Brien to test that out, and we’ve seen what he can do up forward.
“He’s really versatile and credit to him, his body and what he can do with it.”
Laird said Fogarty and Thilthorpe would likely be crucial pillars of the Crows’ forward line early on.
“They’re going to have a really big role for us… the way they’re moving, the way they’re working with James Rahilly our forwards coach,” Laird said.
“They’re both fit and healthy so it’s a matter of building some consistent AFL games into them.”
Laird was also eager to enter season 2022 alongside fellow midfielder Matt Crouch, who looks set to make an awaited return from injury.
“I think it’s great for Matty and a credit to him to go through what he’s gone through, he’s a super professional guy and all he wants to do is play footy,” Laird said.
“To get through a game unscathed, he’s feeling really good.
“Playing with him for years and years, now through the midfield, is fantastic - he’s an All Australian and I think that speaks for itself.
“It’s fantastic to have him back and I can’t wait to play with him.”