Adelaide has named a squad of 21 for its final SANFL pre-season trial against South Adelaide on Friday night.
The State League Crows fielded an extended bench in both of their two previous trials against Woodville-West Torrens and Sturt, but have reduced the size of the squad for the final practice match at Hickinbotham Oval.
“It’s important we try to settle the side a bit, but it’s also the last chance for us to get an idea of what some of our younger players can do on the field,” said State League coach Heath Younie.
The SANFL Crows will be without the experience of veteran defender Brent Reilly, who is scheduled to play his first AFL match since Round 14 of last season. Josh Jenkins, Jarryd Lyons and Brodie Martin have been named as emergencies for Showdown XXXVI, but all could come into the SANFL trial if not required.
Development player Tom Hughes (Mt Barker) returns to the side after missing last Saturday’s clash with Woodville-West Torrens.
The trial, which kicks off from 7.10pm, looms as an important test for the State League Crows before their Round One opener against North Adelaide on April 6.
“It’s our final trial before Round One, so the boys are keen for a solid hit out,” Younie said.
“We will have plenty of young talent out there, including a few players from our development squad who are keen to put their hand up.
“It’s also important we refine all of our structures and principles which we’ve been working on throughout the pre-season.
“This is our last chance for us to get everything set before the season starts.”
The squad is
6. Luke Thompson
15. Angus Graham
20. Sam Siggins
21. Rory Atkins
23. Jared Petrenko
28. Cam Ellis-Yolmen
29. Rory Laird
30. Jack Osborn
37. Ian Callinan (c)
39. Riley Knight
41. Kyle Hartigan
42. Charlie Cameron
43. James Battersby
44. Matthew Crouch
46. Alex Spina
47. Jake Kelly
49. Tyson Davis-Neale
51. Will Paynter
54. Matthew Thompson
58. Darcy Bailey
63. Tom Hughes
