Paul Hunter returns to Adelaide’s SANFL line-up for Sunday’s Preliminary Final at Adelaide Oval.
Hunter, 23, was unlucky to miss last week’s Semi-Final win over South Adelaide. The first-year rookie sat out the match as no spots were available in the 21-man side due to the Club’s fortunate run with injuries.
Starting the season primarily as a forward, Hunter has kicked 17 goals from 16 games this year and has averaged 16 hit-outs since Round 14 after taking on more ruck responsibility.
He replaces midfielder Cam Ellis-Yolmen, who has been sidelined by a hamstring injury.
Captain Luke Carey and fellow development player Scott Spriggs also return to the SANFL squad. League rules dictate senior-listed players must be named ahead of any development players, meaning the pair must rely on late withdrawals to feature in Sunday’s final.
However, a loss for the Club’s AFL team on Saturday night against the Sydney Swans at the SCG could force several late changes to the SANFL side as per the League’s finals qualification rules. Read more on SANFL finals eligibility
Riley Knight, Paul Seedsman and Andy Otten are the emergencies for Saturday night’s Semi-Final clash with the Swans.
Adelaide’s SANFL team will be finalised on afc.com.au approximately one hour before the first bounce on Sunday. The Preliminary Final is scheduled for a 2.10pm start at Adelaide Oval.
The SANFL Crows will need to overcome a battle-hardened Double Blues midfield, led by Sturt captain and dual Magarey Medallist Zane Kirkwood. Read the full match preview
Woodville-West Torrens awaits the winner of Sunday’s Preliminary Final having already advanced to the SANFL Grand Final on Sunday, September 25.
Essential Crows Members and Adelaide Oval Football Members gain free entry to weeks 1-3 of the SANFL finals series. Adult tickets can be purchased for $15, concession $10 and kids under 18 are free.
Sunday’s Preliminary Final begins at 2.10pm and will be shown live on Channel 7 Adelaide or streamed online via 7live.com.au. Radio stations FIVEaa, LifeFM and ABC radio will also cover the clash.
The U18 Grand Final between North Adelaide and Glenelg will be the curtain-raiser to Sunday’s Preliminary Final.
Glenelg is coached by 300-game Adelaide star Tyson Edwards and 16-year-old son Jackson has returned from reserves duties to play in the decider. His cousin Ben Jarman, the son of dual Crows premiership Crow Darren Jarman, has been named in the centre for North.
The clash begins at 10.55am.
Adelaide’s SANFL squad is:
B: Nathan van Berlo (7), Andy Otten (22), Keenan Ramsey (46)
HB: Curtly Hampton (17), Alex Keath (42), Jake Kelly (47)
C: Ricky Henderson (45), Mitch Grigg (8), Paul Seedsman (1)
HF: Jonathon Beech (1), Paul Hunter (37), Wayne Milera (30)
F: Hugh Greenwood (20), Harry Dear (38), Troy Menzel (32)
FOL: Reilly O’Brien (43), Riley Knight (3), Harrison Wigg (35)
INT (from): Luke Lowden (40), Tom Doedee (39), Dean Gore (36), Luke Carey (59), Scott Spriggs (63)
IN: Paul Hunter, Luke Carey, Scott Spriggs
OUT: Cam Ellis-Yolmen (hamstring)
