Adelaide has made four changes for its match with Richmond at Adelaide Oval on Thursday night.
As the Club revealed on Tuesday, midfielder Billy Dowling will make his AFL debut against the Tigers and has been named in the line-up.
The 19-year-old has averaged 24.1 disposals, 5.4 clearances. 4.6 marks and 5.9 tackles across eight games for Adelaide’s State League side in 2024.
“Billy has been a real pro from the moment he entered the doors at West Lakes,” Adelaide Head of Football Adam Kelly said.
“His diligence, perseverance and ability to play multiple roles have earned him this debut game and he has done all he can to ready himself for this opportunity.
“We love seeing our people realise their ambition and to see the joy on Billy’s face was a special moment.”
Dowling joins Will Hamill, Ned McHenry and ruck Kieran Strachan as the inclusions.
Strachan will play his first AFL game for 2024 after averaging 36.25 hit-outs across eight SANFL games this season.
Sam Berry, who was the substitute in the match against Hawthorn last week, has been named on a five-player interchange bench alongside McHenry, Hamill, Dowling and Luke Nankervis.
“Kieran comes in for his first game of season 2024 and the sixth game of his career, he’s been consistently good in the SANFL over the past few seasons and shown that when given the opportunity at AFL he is very capable,” Kelly said.
“It is a reward not only for his form and perseverance but the outstanding attitude that he has shown whilst not being selected.
“Will’s most recent AFL appearance was a particularly strong one , against Collingwood in Round 10, and he held that form against Sturt in the SANFL.
“He was unlucky to miss the past two games and is enjoying a very consistent season.”
Ruckman Reilly O’Brien has been omitted, while midfielder Matt Crouch (shoulder), Taylor Walker (back) and Brayden Cook (knee) will be on the sidelines due to injury.
Cook will miss the game with a knee sprain but it’s hoped he will be available for selection against Sydney in Round 14.
“As confirmed earlier in the week, Matt Crouch’s shoulder injury has required surgery and he will now face an extended period on the sidelines,” Kelly said.
“In addition, Taylor Walker and Brayden Cook will miss against the Tigers.
“Taylor was subbed out with back spasms against Hawthorn last week and with a five day break he has not been able to get up in time, while Brayden has a minor joint sprain in his knee.
“At this stage, we would expect both players to return next week but that will need further assessment.”
Adelaide will name its substitute one hour before the game.
Zac Taylor, Lachlan Gollant and Reilly O’Brien are the emergencies.
The Crows will throw their support behind FightMND, by hosting the inaugural SA Freeze ahead of the match.
Former Crows players Rory Sloane and Andrew Jarman, former Australian cricketer Greg Blewett, SA jockey Kayla Crowther and Adelaide Thunderbirds Captain Hannah Petty will be ‘dunked’ with icy-cold water, as part of the SA Freeze.
Tickets available here.
IN: Hamill, Dowling, McHenry, Strachan
OUT: O’Brien (omitted), Crouch, Walker, Cook (injured)
Adelaide’s Round 13 team is:
