Cam Ellis-Yolmen willmake his AFL debut against Fremantle at Patersons Stadium on Sunday.
Ellis-Yolmen, 21,replaces forward Matt Wright, who was ruled out with concussion, inthe selected side and will start as the substitute. The young utilitywill become the 200th player to represent the AdelaideFootball Club, and the third Crows debutant this season behind MattCrouch and Charlie Cameron.
Wright reportedconcussion symptoms earlier in the week and failed a concussion teston Saturday.
Sanderson said Ellis-Yolmen had been rewarded for good form in the SANFL.
“Cam is playing some really good footy. I like how he plays. He’s 188cm, quick and clean. He can play in a variety of spots, so he’s a genuine utility for us,” Sanderson said.
“He’s been playing through the midfield for us at State League level … but he can also play forward or as a third tall defender. All of Freo’s midfielders are 188-192cm tall, so Cam is the modern footballer."
Read the AFL.com.au preview of Adelaide’s clash with Fremantle.
The clash with the defensively-minded Dockers, who have conceded fewer points this year than any team bar Sydney, will test Adelaide’s composure and ability to attack.
Sanderson said the Crows would need to be disciplined and bold to overcome Freo’s “heat”.
“This is a really good side, which played in a Grand Final last year. They’re a good defensive team and can hit the scoreboard if you give them time and space,” he said.
“They bring the heat as good as anyone. We have to be bold and take the game on and not be reluctant to take the ball forward. It’ll probably be a low-scoring and dour match. Last year (when we played in Perth), they scored nine goals and we scored seven. It’s a mentality you have to take across to Perth; that it’s going to be a low scoring game.
“It won’t be a shootout. (But at the same time) We can’t allow them to lock us away; we have to take the game on.”
The team is:
IN: Cam Ellis-Yolmen
OUT: Matt Wright
