Coach Brenton Sanderson says the Club won’t rush into upgrading a rookie to its senior list as a replacement for injured defender Sam Shaw.
Shaw was placed on the long-term injury list after tearing his left hamstring at training last week. The talented 21-year-old will be sidelined for two months.
Sanderson said the Club wanted to take a cautious approach to Shaw’s recovery.
“We had a good discussion about it at match committee and we didn’t want to rush Sam back. He had an interrupted pre-season as well and we wanted to make sure we got him 100 per cent right,” he said.
“Naming him on the long-term injury list forces us to take a conservative approach. It takes a bit of pressure off Sam and allows us to look at some of our rookies as well.
“It’s hard for Sam and disappointing because he’s one of our most promising young players and we need him playing well.”
Adelaide’s current rookie-listed players are key defender Kyle Hartigan, running backman Rory Laird, small forward Tim McIntyre and goalkicker Dylan Orval. Second-year ruckman Ben Dowdell and developing basketball recruits Tim Klaosen and Jack Osborn are on the Category B rookie list.
McIntyre made his AFL debut last season, while Laird and Hartigan both received an opportunity in this year’s NAB Cup competition. Orval is recovering from injury.
McIntyre kicked four goals for Sturt last weekend, while Laird has been in excellent form for SANFL club West Adelaide. Sanderson said the Club would wait until one of its rookies demanded selection.
“It creates an opportunity for Rory Laird, Tim McIntyre and Kyle Hartigan,” Sanderson said.
“If one of those guys deserves the spot, we’ll certainly upgrade them.
“But having that spot on the senior list open gives us a bit of flexibility if there’s an injury in a certain part of the ground; small forward, small defender or key defender, we can elevate one of those rookies.
“It gives them extra incentive to keep playing well too.”
Join the Club as a 2013 reserved seat member and lock away your place at Adelaide Oval 2014. Visit 19thman.com.au/adelaideoval for more information and to register your interest.
