Coaching Director John Worsfold believes Adelaide’s playing list is in good shape given the Club’s depth of exciting young talent.
Rory Atkins became the fourth Crow to make his senior debut this season in Showdown XXXIX, following in the footsteps of fellow young guns Riley Knight, Jake Lever and Jake Kelly.
Adelaide has also placed its faith in several other youngsters including Matt Crouch, Rory Laird, Cam Ellis-Yolmen, Charlie Cameron and Kyle Hartigan who have all contributed well at different stages this season.
The Crows fielded six players with 20 or fewer games of AFL experience in Sunday’s win over Port Adelaide. Adelaide had the eighth youngest starting 22 of any club for Round 16 (24.6 years old) and was ranked 13th for average AFL experience in terms of games played (81).
Worsfold said the quality of Adelaide’s young talent meant there were exciting times ahead.
“Adelaide has got a relatively young group, and a really exciting group I think going forward,” Worsfold said on FIVEaa radio on Tuesday.
“You can see some of the kids who have made their debuts in the last couple of weeks have really held up well.
“Young Jake Lever, who’s only played six games, had a massive job on Paddy Ryder on the weekend. He started a bit scratchy but then really fought back.
“They’ve got an exciting group to work with. How they build that together over the next couple of years into one of the real strong (and) mature squads is going to be crucial for them.”
Coaching call in safe hands: Worsfold
Several young Crows also impressed in Adelaide’s record-breaking SANFL victory over North Adelaide.
Ellis-Yolmen collected a career-high 38 possessions, while Sam Kerridge, Mitch Grigg, Jarryd Lyons and promoted rookie Reilly O’Brien also performed strongly.
“The younger kids underneath are really pushing hard for selection,” Worsfold said.
“They had a massive win in the SANFL on the weekend with a lot of good form from guys that want their opportunity next.
“So there’s pressure on the team now, and it’s coming from guys who have played a little bit of AFL footy but some young guys as well.
“It’s a good position to be in.”
