Richard Douglas, the club’s first pick at the 2005 national draft, upgraded rookie John Hinge, Bernie Vince, Darren Pfeiffer, ruckmen Ivan Maric and John Meesen, and West Adelaide 2005 club best-and-fairest Jason Porplyzia have been named in a 27-man squad for the 7pm hit-out.
2005 debutants Nathan Van Berlo (11 games) and Chris Knights (2 games) also have been named in the team.
Coach Neil Craig said the club wanted to provide opportunities for younger players to push for spots in the NAB Cup side the following week.
“All of these players have worked hard over the pre-season but these are just the first steps to establishing an AFL career with the club,” Craig said. “They all understand that.”
Several senior players with minor injury niggles will miss the game. They include captain Mark Ricciuto (groin surgery), Andrew McLeod (hamstring/glute), Tyson Edwards (leg soreness), Jason Torney (ill), Michael Doughty (knee) and Matthew Clarke (leg soreness). All of these players are expected to train next week.
Forward Scott Welsh (leg stress fracture) will miss the NAB Cup series while Nathan Bassett and Scott Stevens (both recovering from shoulder surgery) should be ready to play late next month. Ruckman Ben Hudson (knee) is the only player on the long-term injury list.
The club’s four rookie-listed players – Tom Redden, Brad Sugars, Adrian Bonaddio and Sam Elliott – and 2005 draftee Alan Obst will probably be the only Crows players involved in the first trial when they join the State under-18 squad in a game against Norwood’s reserves from 5pm.
Crows team to play Norwood at Norwood Oval on Friday, February 17, at 7pm: Rhett Biglands, Nathan Bock, Matthew Bode, Brett Burton, Richard Douglas, Simon Goodwin, Ben Hart, Trent Hentschel, John Hinge, Luke Jericho, Graham Johncock, Chris Knights, Ivan Maric, Kris Massie, Martin Mattner, Ken McGregor, John Meesen, Ian Perrie, Darren Pfeiffer, Jason Porplyzia, Brent Reilly, Ben Rutten, Robert Shirley, Hayden Skipworth, Scott Thompson, Nathan Van Berlo, Bernie Vince.
