Adelaide Captain Rory Sloane has been named to face Essendon in Round Four at Marvel Stadium on Sunday.
Sloane missed Showdown LI due to an adductor problem but has been passed fit to face the Bombers in Melbourne.
Key forward Taylor Walker also returns after serving a six-week suspension for racism.
Eight players have been named on the extended interchange including Luke Pedlar, Josh Worrell and Jackson Hately.
Darcy Fogarty has been omitted.
Head of Football Adam Kelly said there was healthy competition for spots all over the ground and in particular among the key forwards.
“Taylor was our best performing forward of 2021, he has put in the work during his time out of the game and is ready to go,” Kelly said.
“He brings valuable experience to our young group of forwards who are developing together.
“In assessment of the remaining forwards, given the most recent form of Elliott Himmelberg and Lachlan Gollant who both kicked four goals in last week’s Showdown, they got the nod on this occasion and Darcy Fogarty will go back to the SANFL.
“If you add Riley Thilthorpe into the equation as well, we have a number of key forwards competing for spots which is what we want, and our coaching group has shown a willingness to reward players who are in form with opportunities.”
Adelaide’s final 22-man team will be announced on Friday evening.
IN:
Sloane, Walker, Hately, Worrell, Pedlar
OUT:
Fogarty
Adelaide’s Round Four squad is:
