Adelaide midfielder Matt Crouch is among three inclusions to the Crows’ side for their ANZAC Appeal Round match against North Melbourne on Saturday afternoon.
The Crows will face the Kangaroos at Blundstone Arena and Crouch returns to the team after missing last weekend’s game due to suspension.
Adelaide Head of Football Adam Kelly says Crouch, who is ranked elite in the competition for average disposals (31) and clearances (6.8), will add plenty of experience in the midfield.
“Matt is a welcomed addition following a week's suspension having been one of our best across the opening five Rounds and leading the way with his contested game,” Kelly said.
Joining Crouch among the inclusions is forward Luke Pedlar and utility Elliott Himmelberg.
Pedlar has earned re-selection after spending the past two weeks in the SANFL, while Himmelberg comes in for his first AFL game this year.
“Luke has had a challenging start to the AFL season but comes back into the side after a couple of weeks in the SANFL,” Kelly said.
“Particularly in the second half of last week’s game we felt that Luke was showing some of the attributes that were on display across 21 AFL games last season.
“Elliott has produced strong performances in both of his SANFL appearances this season to force his way into the side.
“After suffering a significant hamstring injury last season, it has been almost 12 months since his last AFL appearance and we look forward to seeing what he can do with the opportunity.”
Midfielder Sam Berry and defender Brodie Smith will miss the match due to a foot and back injury, respectively, while forward Lachlan Gollant has been omitted.
To commemorate the special round, Adelaide players will wear a specially-designed Anzac guernsey for the first time in Club history.
Launched earlier this month, the guernsey depicts a bugler playing in front of the sun going down, which is represented by the Club’s hoops in red, orange and yellow, serving as a poignant reminder of the reverence of the occasion.
Included on the back of the guernsey are five red poppies, positioned to represent a wreath, and the words ‘Lest we forget’.
Kelly said the Club took great pride in playing during the ANZAC Appeal Round.
"This is a round of great significance,” Kelly said.
“It is the coming together of football to honour the courage and sacrifice of our servicemen and women, and reflect on the price that has been paid for the freedom and democracy we enjoy today by those who have served our Country and their families.
“When you look at the young men and women who represent our Club you can’t help but think of those who faced the terror of war at such a young age and with so much of their lives ahead of them.”
Pedlar and Himmelberg are named on a five-player interchange bench, which includes Will Hamill, Lachlan Sholl and Ned McHenry.
One of the five will be named as the Crows’ substitute one hour before the game.
Gollant, Billy Dowling and Lachlan Murphy are the emergencies.
Adelaide plays North Melbourne at Blundstone Arena on Saturday at 1.15pm (ACST).
The game will be broadcast live on Fox Footy and Kayo and delayed on Channel 7 Adelaide at 4pm.
IN: Crouch, Pedlar, Himmelberg
OUT: Berry, Smith (injured), Gollant (omitted)
Adelaide’s Round Seven team is:
