The Crows have recalled influential forward Tom Lynch for Balfours Showdown XXXVII on Sunday.
Lynch hasn’t played at AFL level since fracturing his jaw in a collision with Melbourne onballer Jack Viney in Round Seven. Adelaide’s 2013 leading goalkicker, who has overcome foot, shoulder and jaw injuries this year, made a successful return in the SANFL last weekend and will play only his fourth AFL game of the season against Port Adelaide.
Read the AFL.com.au Preview of Balfours Showdown XXXVII
Earlier in the week, defender Rory Laird talked about Lynch’s importance to the team.
“Tom provides a different aspect to the forward line. He’s a pretty big bloke, but he plays with great agility and movement. His work rate is incredible. He gets up the ground and back in behind his opponents. He’s a good mark and is smart around goals, so he adds a different element alongside ‘Tex’, ‘Pods, ‘JJ’ and Eddie.
“He’s really important to us and provides that link play very well.”
Lynch, who is one of four additions in Adelaide’s squad of 25, is the only confirmed inclusion at this stage. Experienced defender Ben Rutten (rested) will miss the game as part of the 31-year-old’s ongoing management.
Rising Star runner-up Brad Crouch, classy goalkicker Jason Porplzyia and athletic defender Luke Thompson have also been named in the squad, which will be trimmed to 22 on afc.com.au at 4:30pm (SA time) on Friday.
Wingman David Mackay (concussion) has been selected, while utility Ricky Henderson has been left out after suffering a corked thigh early in his second game back from a broken ankle. Forward Charlie Cameron will miss another week with groin soreness.
Like Lynch, Crouch has also endured a frustrating run with injuries, limited to just two AFL games. The skilful young midfielder suffered a fractured leg in the Round Two Showdown, which kept him sidelined for two months. He’s played two SANFL games in his comeback, but was unavailable for selection through suspension last week.
Porplyzia, who has been in strong SANFL form, will be hoping to play his first AFL game since March. Thompson is also looking for his chance after being an emergency for the past month.
Read the stats that matter ahead of Sunday’s Showdown
Balfours Showdown XXXVII will be Adelaide’s first ‘home’ Showdown at the new Adelaide Oval. Public tickets to the blockbuster match are sold out. You can still gain entry (standing room) to the game by joining as a GA 11-Game Member.
The squad is:
IN: Jason Porplyzia, Tom Lynch, Luke Thompson, Brad Crouch
OUT: Ben Rutten (rested)
B: Andy Otten, Daniel Talia, Luke Brown
HB: Brent Reilly, Brodie Smith, Matthew Jaensch
C: David Mackay, Patrick Dangerfield, Rory Sloane
HF: Eddie Betts, James Podsiadly, Tom Lynch
F: Taylor Walker, Josh Jenkins, Matthew Wright
RUCKS: Sam Jacobs, Scott Thompson, Richard Douglas
INTERCHANGE FROM: Brad Crouch, Luke Thompson, Sam Kerridge, Rory Laird, Jarryd Lyons, Brodie Martin, Jason Porplyzia
