Adelaide Senior Coach Matthew Nicks says the selection calls ahead of the clash against Gold Coast on Saturday night showcases the strength of the squad.
The return of defenders Brodie Smith and Mitch Hinge meant Josh Worrell and Ned McHenry were omitted from the Crows’ starting 22, while Patrick Parnell also dropped out after being the substitute last week.
Speaking to the media at Adelaide Airport on Friday, Nicks said having tough conversations around selection was a reflection of how strong the list was at the moment.
“(Those conversations are) not so challenging really, they’re good conversations,” Nicks said.
“It’s probably tough for the individual to cop straight away, but I think there’s an understanding of where the group is at the moment and the strength of this squad.
“To have Brodie (Smith) and Mitch (Hinge) available, those guys that went out played great footy and got the job done the week before, but they know when the opportunity shows itself, they’ll be ready again.”
Nicks confirmed McHenry would be the tactical substitute this weekend, while Brayden Cook also traveled with the team as an emergency.
“Ned’s got a lot of weapons and one of those he’s shown this year is he’s able to be composed and go on as a sub and come on to the ground,” Nicks said.
“We’re taking Cooky (Brayden Cook) across with us (as well). He probably played his best game, last weekend (against Norwood in the SANFL).
“He’s knocking on the door as well, so another player who’s unlucky not to be in and playing some of his best footy of his career.”
The Crows return to Darwin’s TIO Stadium for the first time since 2019 to face the Suns.
Nicks said he expected it to be a significant challenge, but one the group would embrace.
“Well really, it’s a wet game, depending on that humidity level and last week we watched closely the Bulldogs and Gold Coast,” Nicks said.
“It’s wet weather footy, embrace the contest, there is the ability to play, it’s quite a large ground.
“They (Gold Coast) performed so well last week and we got a lot out of watching them playing some of their best footy.”
Adelaide plays Gold Coast on Saturday at 7pm ACST.
