Adelaide ruckman Sam Jacobs is set to make his senior return in Sunday’s clash with West Coast at Optus Stadium.
The 198-game veteran last appeared in the senior side in Round Two, having spent the past eight weeks in the SANFL after a successful return from knee surgery.
Jacobs has averaged 16.5 disposals, 6.2 marks and 30 hit-outs per game in the State League. He has also booted 10 goals, including a haul of five against North Adelaide.
Reilly O’Brien has been named on an extended interchange bench and could suit up against the Eagles, with coach Don Pyke refusing to rule out playing two ruckmen at his weekly press conference.
“We know what ROB has been able to produce, Sauce has been in really good form as well,” Pyke told reporters earlier on Thursday.
“ROB’s last few weeks probably haven’t been as good as he’d like, whether we make a change or play both, we’ll keep you guessing.
“Watch this space.”
Hugh Greenwood, Paul Seedsman and Chayce Jones have also been included in the 26-man squad, which will be culled to a final 22 at 4.30pm ACST on Friday afternoon.
Seedsman will line up for his 100th AFL game if selected, as will defender Kyle Hartigan when the Crows take on the Eagles from 3.20pm AWST (4.50pm ACST) on Sunday.
Alex Keath will miss a third straight game with an ankle injury.
"It's a stress response in his leg," Pyke said.
"When we got him out and started loading him up at a higher intensity that he's done through his rehab work, he still had some awareness.
"It's better, it's improved, but he needs a bit longer."
The game will be broadcast live on Fox Footy and Channel 7 Adelaide from 4.30pm ACST.
Adelaide’s SANFL team will play West Adelaide at 1.10pm ACST on Sunday afternoon.
Perth-based fans are invited to watch the team train at the WACA Ground on Saturday afternoon.
The Round 21 squad is…
IN – Greenwood, Seedsman, Jones, Jacobs
