Emerging key defender James Borlase will make his AFL debut against Gold Coast at Adelaide Oval on Saturday afternoon.

Senior Coach Matthew Nicks delivered the news to the playing group at a meeting on Tuesday morning.

Borlase, 21, has been on Adelaide’s list for three seasons after being drafted as a Category B rookie in 2020.

His father, Darryl, played 246 games and in four premierships for Port Adelaide in the SANFL, while his mother, Jenny, represented Australia in international netball.

Borlase – who stands 192cm and 98kg – was eligible to be drafted by the Crows from the Club’s Next Generation Academy, having been born in Egypt and played his SANFL footy with Sturt.

This season he has played 14 games for Adelaide in the SANFL where he has averaged 13.6 disposals and six marks per game.