Captain Taylor Walker is among three inclusions in the Adelaide team to play the Brisbane Lions.
Walker, debutant Reilly O’Brien and big-bodied midfielder Cam Ellis-Yolmen, who will play his first AFL game of the season, have all been selected for Saturday night’s clash.
The trio replaces the injured Sam Jacobs (ankle), as well as 300-gamer Scott Thompson and young forward Mitch McGovern, who are both being managed at opposite ends of their AFL careers.
McGovern, Harrison Wigg and Jake Kelly are the emergencies.
Read AFL Media’s preview of the match between the Crows and the Lions
Walker returns after a week on the sidelines because of an ankle complaint.
Ellis-Yolmen has been rewarded for strong SANFL form. The 23-year-old onballer, who has played 12 career AFL games, will make his first appearance at senior level since Round 15 last season.
On Wednesday, coach Don Pyke announced that O’Brien would lead the ruck in the absence of Jacobs. The 20-year-old, who was elevated from the Club’s rookie list last month, has established himself as one of the premier ruckmen in the SANFL since joining the Crows in December, 2014.
The 201cm, 100kg, competitor got a taste of AFL football in his first pre-season at West Lakes, impressing in two NAB Challenge games in 2015. He also lined up against Fremantle in Albany in February this year.
He’s the third Adelaide player to debut this season following draftee Wayne Milera Junior and O’Brien’s housemate McGovern. Wingman Paul Seedsman also made his Crows debut in Round One.
In-form midfielder Jarryd Lyons will play his 50th AFL game on Saturday night.
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Tickets, including reserved seats, GA and guest passes, are still available for the match. Buy tickets
Gates open at 5:00pm on Saturday ahead of the opening bounce at 7:10pm (local time). Full match day information is available here.
Saturday’s match will be broadcast on 7 Mate because of Channel 7’s coverage of the Rio Games. Please check local guides for more details.
Adelaide’s SANFL team has a bye this weekend.
The team is:
IN – Cam Ellis-Yolmen, Reilly O’Brien, Taylor Walker
OUT – Sam Jacobs (ankle), Mitch McGovern (managed), Scott Thompson (managed)
