A trio of recruits, a draftee and a 100-gamer headline Adelaide’s 26-man squad for its Round One match against St Kilda at Adelaide Oval on Sunday.
Alex-Neal Bullen, Isaac Cumming and James Peatling have been included in the squad, with all three set to make their Club debuts on Sunday.
Neal-Bullen and Peatling arrived at the Crows during the 2024 Trade Period from Melbourne and GWS respectively, while Cumming was secured as an unrestricted free agent from the Giants.
Adelaide Head of Football Adam Kelly said the three had made an immediate impact and deserved their Club debuts.
“From afar you assess capability and forecast how that will help your team be better, and you certainly consider how players might be suited and/or will enhance the fabric of the Footy Club,” Kelly said.
“They are critical considerations.
“But the full story doesn’t reveal itself until they are officially in your colours, and we couldn’t be more delighted about the way in which Isaac, Alex and James have embraced the Club and their willingness to commit themselves fully to what we are trying to achieve.
“They balance our squad really well, on and off the field, and have been quick to establish rapport with and respect from their teammates.”
Defender Wayne Milera is in line to make his return after missing most of last season with a knee injury, and the game will be his 100th milestone.
“Our fans would be very familiar with the highs and lows of Wayne’s career, a highly talented player who has had more than his fair share of injury,” Kelly said.
“Those who have witnessed this journey from inside the Club, have marvelled at his strength, resilience, positivity and composure in the face of challenges.
“He is as beautifully balanced off the field as he is on it and he has earned universal respect due to the way in which he has conducted himself throughout his career.
“We are all pumped that Wayne reaches his 100 game milestone and very excited to have him out there again this week.”
As announced earlier on Thursday afternoon, draftee Sid Draper will make his AFL debut, and Kelly said his inclusion came after impressing during his first pre-season.
“It is a great credit to Sid that he has made his way into the team for Round One,” Kelly said.
“For an 18-year-old to adapt to full time professionalism in one pre-season to the point where he is selected this early in his career is a significant achievement and endorsement for the way in which he has gone about his business.
“In Sid we have seen a young man hungry to be the best he can be and someone who will leave no stone unturned in this pursuit.”
Josh Rachele, Matt Crouch, Dan Curtin, Mitch Hinge, Hugh Bond, Lachlan Murphy, Toby Murray and Draper have been included on the extended bench, with three to move to the emergency list.
The Crows will name their final team on Friday at 4.30pm (ACDT).
Adelaide hosts St Kilda at Adelaide Oval on Sunday at 12.05pm.
Tickets available here.
Adelaide's Round One Squad is:
