Adelaide will line up as named for Sunday’s Round Four clash with the Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium.
Tough midfielder Jarryd Lyons, who was recalled to the senior side in the place of livewire forward Charlie Cameron, will start the game as the substitute.
Lyons has played one AFL game this season, starting again in the green vest against North Melbourne in Round One. He collected 27 disposals and kicked two goals against the Bloods in Adelaide’s SANFL clash last weekend to earn another AFL opportunity.
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Emergencies Charlie Cameron, Mitch Grigg and Matt Crouch all played in Friday night’s SANFL game against Glenelg, which ended in a draw and was shortened due to a blackout.
Earlier, Crows coach Phil Walsh said Lyons, Crouch and Grigg were all essentially fighting for the same position.
“They need to be rewarded for good form, but the position they play is basically inside midfielder,” Walsh said.
“Scott Thompson performed really well last week and we’ve been really happy with Cam Ellis-Yolmen. It’s a question of whether those two guys (Grigg and Crouch) can force those other two guys (Thompson and Ellis-Yolmen) out of the team.
“I’m really big on rewarding guys who have played well, but you’ve also got to understand what position they play.”
The Western Bulldogs have also reported no late changes to their side for the clash in Melbourne. The Bulldogs starting substitute is Mitch Honeychurch.
The Bulldogs won their opening two games of the season before succumbing to reigning premiers Hawthorn in Tasmania last weekend. Walsh said he’d been impressed with the Dogs under new coach Luke Beveridge.
“A little bit like us, their team defence has been really good. We’re the No.1 tackling team and they’re No.2,” Walsh said.
“We had a really contested game against Collingwood (at Etihad Stadium in Round Two). The Bulldogs are known for that too. One thing (former coach) Brendan McCartney did really well was teach them how to win contested possession. It looks as if Luke (Beveridge) has brought a little bit more offence to their game too.
“I’m looking forward to a really hard challenge in Melbourne. We performed well there against Collingwood. I’m interested to see how committed we are to perform as well this week.”
After a hard slog in the wet against Melbourne at Adelaide Oval last weekend, the Crows will play in perfect conditions under the roof at Etihad Stadium on Sunday. Walsh said the surface suited his team’s style of play.
“I was really happy in Round One with our offence. I’ve been happy in the three games with our defence, but I’d like to think we’re (a) more offensive (team) and Etihad Stadium because it’s a little bit rounder and has perfect conditions gives us that opportunity (to score more).”
Defender Luke Brown is a confirmed starter and will celebrate his 50th AFL game.
The post-match function on Sunday will be held at the Legends Bar on Level 2, via Gate 2 at Etihad Stadium.
Adelaide’s final team is:
IN: Jarryd Lyons
OUT: Charlie Cameron (omitted)
NO LATE CHANGE
