Andy Otten will play his first AFL game for premiership points in more than two-and-a-half years in Sunday’s season-opener against Greater Western Sydney.
Otten, 27, will run out onto Adelaide Oval 960 days after rupturing the anterior cruciate ligament of his right knee at the Gabba in Round 20, 2014.
The versatile defender was runner-up in the 2009 AFL Rising Star award and has played 79 senior games for the Club.
Skilful forward Troy Menzel is set to make his Crows debut against the Giants.
The left-footer arrived at West Lakes via a trade at the end of 2015 after playing 40 games and kicking 47 goals with Carlton.
Fellow recruit Curtly Hampton is also a confirmed starter against his former club. The 24-year-old was an inaugural Giant and played 51 games in four seasons with the expansion club.
Captain Taylor Walker and vice-captain Rory Sloane remain in the team after overcoming pre-season injury concerns.
Walker experienced hamstring tightness late in the Club’s last JLT Community Series match, while Sloane missed the entire pre-season competition after suffering a fractured eye socket at training.
Competitive defender Jake Kelly has also earned a starting spot. The 22-year-old last played at AFL level in Round 13, 2015.
Hard-running half-forward Riley Knight, midfielder Myles Poholke and ruckman Reilly O’Brien are the emergencies.
Sunday’s game starts at 2:50pm (local) with gates opening at midday. Tickets are still available.
Get more match day information
Ruckman Sam Jacobs is set to play his 150th AFL match against the Giants, while Charlie Cameron will line up for game 50. See more stats that matter ahead of Adelaide’s clash with the premiership favourites.
Veteran midfielder Scott Thompson (shoulder), young backman Jake Lever (hamstring), forward Jono Beech (calf) and untried onballer Dean Gore (concussion) will all return from injury in the Club’s SANFL trial at Football Park on Saturday. Entry is free to the practice match against Woodville-West Torrens, which starts at 11:25am.
It will be a big weekend of Crows footy, with the Club’s women’s team vying for the first-ever AFLW flag at Metricon Stadium on Saturday afternoon. See the women’s team.
NEW: Curtly Hampton, Troy Menzel
The final team is:
