Adelaide has made one change to its side that will take on the Western Bulldogs in Ballarat on Saturday.
Jackson Hately will line up in his first game for 2022 after being named in the 22-man team.
The 21-year-old midfielder comes in for injured Captain Rory Sloane, who is recovering well after he underwent surgery to repair the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his right knee.
Sloane suffered the injury in the final quarter of last Saturday’s win over Richmond and had surgery on Wednesday morning.
Crows Senior Coach Matthew Nicks said Hately earned selection off the back of strong performances with the Club’s SANFL side.
The youngster has averaged 25.3 disposals across three SANFL games.
“There’s a couple of guys who deserve an opportunity at (AFL) level,” Nicks said.
“Jacko Hately… (has) knocked the door down and played some good (SANFL) footy,” Nicks said.
“The pleasing thing for us is the form below warrants selection.
“So when an opportunity like this (Sloane’s injury) presents - albeit not one we really want - but it is an opportunity for one of our younger guys… to step in.”
Adelaide will face the Western Bulldogs at Mars Stadium, Ballarat, on Saturday at 1.15pm (ASCT).
IN:
Hately
OUT:
Sloane (knee)
Adelaide’s Round Six team is:
