Adelaide Captain Jordan Dawson headlines four inclusions for the Crows ahead of the Round 21 match against Geelong at GMHBA Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
The Skipper returns after missing last week’s game with Hawthorn while progressing through the AFL’s concussion protocols.
Midfielder Matt Crouch, as well as defenders Nick Murray and Josh Worrell, round out the additions to the side.
Crouch recovered from a shoulder injury but missed last weekend's SANFL match due to illness.
Adelaide Head of Football Adam Kelly said Crouch’s dedication and hard work with his shoulder rehabilitation were catalysts for his return.
“When Matty bravely fought on versus the Hawks back in Round 12 after hurting the shoulder which would then require surgery, it was a sign of his commitment to the team,” Kelly said.
“He has demonstrated that same grit to have himself ready to return this week.
“Matty was in really strong form early in the season and we hope he is rewarded for his hard work by being able to recapture that over the remainder of the year.”
Worrell played his first game of competitive football with the Crows’ SANFL side last weekend, after fracturing his arm in the Club’s Round 10 AFL game.
Kelly said his performance in the SANFL was strong and warranted a recall.
“Josh (Worrell) had shown a significant progression in his development up until he unfortunately fractured his arm back in Round Nine,” Kelly said.
“To see him return in the manner he did last week in the SANFL was testament to the amount of work that he has put into his rehabilitation and was a source of great satisfaction to us all.
“Josh’s versatility is really important to us and he is a welcomed addition to the AFL team this week.”
Murray, meanwhile, hyperextended his left knee early in the game against Essendon but scans later cleared the backman of any serious damage.
“We nervously awaited the results of Muz’s knee scan a couple of weeks ago and with great relief reported the all clear, although the incident was significant enough to keep him on the sidelines last week,” Kelly said.
“Muz was building back to his best and it is pleasing that he now has an opportunity to continue that build and to finish 2024 in strong fashion.”
Elliott Himmelberg, James Borlase and Brayden Cook have been omitted, while Chayce Jones will miss this week’s game due to personal reasons.
Brodie Smith joins Himmelberg and Borlase as the emergencies.
Adelaide takes on Geelong at GMHBA Stadium on Saturday at 4.05pm (ACST).
The match will be broadcast live on Channel 7 Adelaide, Fox Footy and Kayo.
IN: Dawson, Crouch, Murray, Worrell
OUT: Jones (personal reasons), Borlase, Cook, Himmelberg (omitted)
Adelaide’s Round 21 team is:
