Adelaide has made three changes ahead of Showdown 55 at Adelaide Oval on Thursday night.
The Crows have recalled defenders Jordon Butts and Brodie Smith to the line-up, following their successful return from a hamstring and back injury, respectively.
“Brodie is ready to go,” Adelaide Senior Coach Matthew Nicks said.
“Brodie is a leader of our football Club, we know what he means to our side, both on and off the field.”
As the Club confirmed on Tuesday, recruit Daniel Curtin will make his AFL debut against Port Adelaide.
Adelaide selected Curtin with Pick No. 8 at the 2023 National Draft, after engaging in a pick trade with GWS.
The 19-year-old backman began his first campaign at West Lakes in the SANFL and impressed across his first four matches, averaging 20 disposals and 5.8 marks per game, while using the ball at 88 per cent efficiency.
Nicks said Curtin was ready to play at the highest level.
“He’s going to come in and bring some real weapons to this game and we know he’s going to be important to this footy Club going forward,” Nicks said.
“He probably had one of his best games on the weekend (in the SANFL) and stood up and said ‘I’m ready to play’, so we’ll give him that opportunity.
“It’s a great opportunity, debuting in a Showdown is a pretty big event… and we hope it’s a really positive one for him.”
Defenders James Borlase and Will Hamill have been omitted, while Luke Pedlar will miss the match due to a shoulder injury.
Luke Nankervis, Brayden Cook, Chayce Jones, Matt Crouch and Ned McHenry have been named on the interchange bench.
One of the five will named the substitute, one hour before the first bounce.
Sam Berry, Lachlan Gollant and Lachlan Murphy are the Crows’ emergencies.
Adelaide will face Port Adelaide in Showdown 55 at Adelaide Oval on Thursday at 7pm.
The match will follow the SANFL Showdown between the crosstown rivals, which kicks off at 3.20pm.
IN: Butts, Curtin, Smith
OUT: Borlase, Hamill, (omitted) Pedlar (injured)
Adelaide’s Showdown 55 team is:
