Adelaide has made two changes to its side ahead of Saturday’s clash against Brisbane at the Gabba.
Forward Luke Pedlar comes back into the team after being managed for the Crows’ win over Gold Coast last week.
Adelaide Head of Football Adam Kelly said he was pleased to welcome the refreshed 21-year-old back into the line-up.
“We welcome Luke back into the lineup who has been a consistent member of our AFL team across the course of the year, having played all but two games,” Kelly said.
“We thought he would benefit from a spell last week and that this will give him the best chance to continue his strong form for the remainder of the season.”
Former captain Rory Sloane has been named in the starting 22 after being the substitute for the last two weeks.
Kelly said Sloane had impressed in the role and was ready to come in for a full-game against the Lions.
“There has been some form of management of Sloaney for the majority of the season, primarily through reduced minutes and adjustment to his role, and in the past two weeks that has been as our sub,” he said.
“This is a role that Sloaney has played well across the last two weeks and before that we have had a number of players who have been able to come on and impact the game positively.
“It is a real bonus for us to be able to bring Sloaney into the 22 in such a big game and he is raring to go.”
Josh Rachele comes out of the starting 22, with Kelly confirming he would be the substitute.
“With Luke coming back into the line up, Josh Rachele will be sub this week,” he said.
“Our primary consideration in identifying the sub each week is to identify a player who can really impact the game and in Josh we certainly have that.”
Chayce Jones will also miss after he suffered a season-ending footy injury in last week’s win.
“Chayce has made considerable progress this season and established himself as a quality midfielder who has the ability to move in game to defence,” Kelly said.
“He should be proud of the season he has put together, we certainly are.”
Forward Izak Rankine was close to a return after injuring his hamstring against Melbourne in Round 19, but Kelly said the decision was made to give him an extra week’s rest.
“As we have reported, Izak has been going really well with his rehabilitation from the hamstring injury sustained in the Round 19 game versus Melbourne, so much so that he was in consideration for selection this week,” he said.
“In the end we have decided against it and instead will look to next week against Sydney for his return.
“Another week de-risks a recurrence of the injury and on balance we have decided to go that way.”
Ned McHenry, Brayden Cook and Elliott Himmelberg round out the remaining emergencies.
Adelaide takes on Brisbane at the Gabba on Saturday at 4.05pm (ACST).
Ahead of next weekend’s home clash with Sydney, secure your 2024 Membership for $1 and get access to the Crows’ last home game of the season.
In: Pedlar, Sloane
Out: Jones (injured), Rachele (omitted)
Adelaide’s Round 22 team is:
