The AFL debut of defender James Borlase headlines two inclusions to Adelaide’s team for Saturday’s clash with Gold Coast.
The Crows confirmed the Next Generation Academy graduate would be making his debut on Tuesday, after playing 53 games over three seasons in the Club’s SANFL side.
Adelaide Head of Football Adam Kelly said the 21-year-old was deserving of his opportunity at the highest level.
“James has improved his game each and every year that he has been on our list and in doing so established himself as one of the best defenders in the SANFL competition,” Kelly said.
“He deserves this opportunity and we are excited to see how he will perform at AFL level.
“In recent weeks we have seen strong SANFL form carry over to the AFL, by way of Schoenberg, Crouch, Nankervis and Keane, which is a credit to our SANFL program and to the squad mentality that has permeated the playing group.”
Second-year forward Josh Rachele returns after serving a two-game suspension.
In the 17 matches he has played this season, Rachele has kicked 17 goals while averaging 16.7 disposals.
“Having missed the past two games due to suspension, Josh has been able to rejuvenate and comes into the line up refreshed and eager to impact,” Kelly said.
“Josh is another young player, in his second year, that is acclimatising to the rigours of a 23 game AFL season.
“While the circumstances of his absence over the past couple of weeks were regrettable, it has served as a good opportunity for him to ready himself to perform strongly over the closing four rounds of the season.”
Defender Jordon Butts goes out of the side after undergoing season-ending foot surgery.
While Luke Pedlar has been managed after featuring in 18 of Adelaide’s 19 matches in 2023.
“Luke has been terrific in 2023, having played 18 games across the season with the only game missed being due to suspension back in Round Four,” Kelly said.
“It is understandable that given his playing history it may have been necessary to manage Luke at a point in the season and that point has arrived this week.”
Rory Sloane will be the substitute again after Kelly said he impressed in the role in last week’s Showdown win.
“Given the strong performance of our midfield group last week and Sloaney’s ability to impact the game in the second half, we will again play Rory as the sub this week,” Kelly said.
“Managing players through a season comes in various forms and in Sloaney’s instance it has been by way of reduced minutes and variation in roles, which has resulted in him playing every game in the season.
“It’s a credit to Rory that he has been able to do this following an ACL rupture and we hope this gives him the opportunity to continue to impact games but also to finish the year strong.”
Sam Berry, Elliott Himmelberg and Ned McHenry round out the emergencies.
Adelaide takes on Gold Coast at Adelaide Oval this Saturday afternoon, with the first bounce at 1.40pm.
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IN: Borlase, Rachele
OUT: Pedlar (managed), Butts (injured), Sloane (sub)
Adelaide’s Round 21 team is:
