Young Adelaide forward Darcy Fogarty will make his senior return against Collingwood in Friday night’s clash at Adelaide Oval.
The 18-year-old was squeezed out of Don Pyke’s 22 for the Round Three win over St Kilda due to the return of key linkman Tom Lynch but earns an immediate recall having spent last weekend as the travelling emergency.
Fogarty has made a promising start to his AFL career, booting four goals in his first two games and impressing fans with his fierce competitive streak.
“We love what Darcy brings to the group, his intensity and the way he competes and jumps at the ball,” assistant coach Scott Camporeale said.
“He had a spell last week, but great to get him back in and I’m sure that forward group will grow
“He’s a great young man and understands what it takes and where we’re going with him. He understood (being omitted) last week, but he’s pretty excited to get back in.”
Rookie forward Lachlan Murphy won’t play against the Magpies after experiencing some hamstring tightness at training on Thursday morning.
The Crows have opted to err on the side of caution, given the six-day break from last week’s game at Etihad Stadium and the demanding nature of Murphy’s role as a small pressure forward.
“Lachie misses out, unfortunately, but he’s got a bit of hamstring tightness,” Camporeale said.
“He’s had a pretty good pre-season and played a lot of footy for us early so it’s just a no-risk policy for him at the moment.”
The inclusion of the 193cm Fogarty means the Crows take a tall forward line into Friday night’s game, with Josh Jenkins, Taylor Walker, Tom Lynch and Mitch McGovern all standing at 190cm or taller.
Camporeale isn’t concerned with the height balance, given Collingwood’s back six are of similar height.
“We think McGovern, Betts and probably one of the mids
“Very rarely will they all be on the ground at one time, so we’re comfortable with that.”
Daniel Talia will play his 150th AFL game against the Magpies.
Jordan Gallucci, Curtly Hampton, Patrick Wilson and Reilly O’Brien are the emergencies for Round Four.
Friday night’s match starts at
All AFL matches will continue to screen as normal on Fox Footy and Telstra's AFL Live App.
The team is:
IN – Darcy Fogarty
OUT – Lachlan Murphy (hamstring)