Adelaide will blood an AFL debutant and two Club first-gamers in the opening round clash with GWS on Sunday.
As revealed by the Club earlier on Thursday, father-son selection Max Michalanney will play his first AFL game, after being selected at the 2022 AFL National Draft in November.
Michalanney’s father Jim played 211 games and in four premierships with Norwood between 1974 and 1986, making him eligible to be drafted by the Crows under the AFL’s father-son rule.
Speaking to the media on Thursday, Adelaide Senior Coach Matthew Nicks said Michalanney, a 191cm defender, had impressed over the summer and deserved his spot.
“Max will debut on Sunday and that’s exciting for him and his family,” Nicks said.
“We were able to have them here at the training session, so it’s a really good time for our footy Club.
“Maxy has been great, he’s stepped in and shown he’s ready to play at the level, he’s a fantastic character and adds to our group.
“I think the backs down there, Tom Doedee, Wayne Milera, as leaders, and Jordan Dawson playing in and around there has helped him fastrack and develop.”
Recruits Izak Rankine and Tyler Brown will also don the Crows guernsey for the first time, following their inclusion in the 26-man squad.
Rankine, who played 48 games for the Suns after being drafted with Pick No. 3 at the 2018 AFL National Draft, returned home to SA and joined Adelaide during the 2022 Trade period.
Former Collingwood midfielder Brown signed with the Crows as a rookie during the AFL’s pre-season supplemental selection period (SSP).
The 23-year-old is the son of former Collingwood captain and premiership player Gavin Brown, who had a 254-game AFL career.
“Izak will play, everything going well from here,” Nicks said.
“He added to the group instantly and that first session when he came to training some of the boys had their mouths open at the end of it, just wow.
“Tyler Brown will play as well, we’ve had a really strong effort from him.
“He’ll be our sub and we see him as an impact player, we saw that against West Coast where he was able to come on in the fourth quarter and impact the game instantly.”
Veteran Rory Sloane has also been included in Adelaide’s squad, making his competitive return from an ACL injury, sustained in Round Five against Richmond last season.
Adelaide’s final 22-man team will be released on Friday afternoon.
The Crows play GWS at Giants Stadium on Sunday, with the first bounce at 12.40pm (ACDT).
Adelaide’s Round One squad:
IN: Michalanney, Rankine, Brown
OUT: NA
