Adelaide’s youngest players will aim to develop their games off the field in the SANFL ‘bye’ weekend.
A core group of development players at West Lakes will head to AAMI Stadium on Saturday afternoon with an ‘assignment’ to scout key players in the clash between Port Adelaide and Richmond.
There are no SANFL club games this weekend because of the state game between SA and the NEAFL.
Coach Brenton Sanderson said it was a rare opportunity for the youngest Crows to watch other players in their respective position live.
“We’ve given a few of the development players assignments,” Sanderson said.
“They’re going to go to the Port Adelaide v Richmond game at AAMI Stadium on Saturday and watch certain players as part of a project.
“It’s similar to what most Melbourne-based clubs do every week. We’re at a disadvantage here sometimes because there’s only one AFL game in Adelaide per week. Whenever you go to a Friday night game at Etihad Stadium or the MCG, there are always development players from opposition teams watching.
“We’ve given some of our young guys a project this week. Hopefully, it will be a good learning tool for them.”
The weekend assignment follows a big few days on the training track for players not included in the Crows squad to play Greater Western Sydney.
“The guys that we knew wouldn’t be in contention this week have had a really solid week on the track,” Sanderson.
“A few of the guys are going back to their home states and cities. A couple are coming to Sydney to watch us play and I know a few are going to the footy in Melbourne tonight to watch Essendon and Geelong. Everyone will be back on deck ready to work hard on Monday.”