Alex Keath will play his first game of football in more than six years when Adelaide’s SANFL team confronts Glenelg at Gliderol Stadium on Sunday.
Ruckman Paul Hunter will also play his first Crows game for premiership points this weekend in the clash with the Tigers.
A former first-class batsman with Victoria, Keath joined the Crows as a Category B rookie last October while juggling his cricket commitments with Grade club Prospect. He last played football in 2009 representing the AFL-AIS Academy, the Murray Bushrangers TAC Cup side, and also Victoria Country at the AFL U18 National Championships.
The 24-year-old informed Adelaide last month of his commitment to a career in football. The 196cm, 84kg key-position player has completed his own mini pre-season in preparation for his SANFL debut.
Fellow rookie Hunter will join Keath for his maiden premiership season match of the year. The 200cm ruckman has overcome a pre-season ankle complaint which has sidelined him since the Club’s final SANFL practice match against South Adelaide over a month ago.
Hard-running youngster Riley Knight further strengthens Heath Younie’s team this weekend, while development player Josh Wittwer from Hahndorf has also been included on an extended interchange which must be reduced by two on game day.
Charlie Cameron, who kicked four goals in Adelaide’s win over Woodville-West Torrens at fortnight ago, has been promoted to the senior side for Friday night’s clash with Hawthorn. Knight, Nathan van Berlo and Cam Ellis-Yolmen are the emergencies for the blockbuster at the MCG.
Sam Shaw won’t be in action this weekend due to concussion.
Brad Crouch trained with Adelaide’s SANFL team on Friday but won’t play at either level this week as the Club continues its conservative approach to his management. Instead, the young midfielder will complete a rigorous training session over the weekend.
The undefeated SANFL Crows can reclaim top spot on the League ladder with another win against the Tigers this weekend. South Adelaide is the current ladder leader, however the Panthers have their first bye of the year in Round Five.
Crows members receive free entry to Sunday’s clash at Gliderol Stadium in Glenelg, which kicks off at 2.10pm. The match will also be shown live on Channel 7.
Adelaide’s SANFL squad is:
B: Luke Carey (59), Andy Otten (22), Jake Kelly (47)
HB: Tom Doedee (39), Ricky Henderson (45), Nathan van Berlo (7)
C: Riley Knight (3), Mitch Grigg (8), Harrison Wigg (35)
HF: Hugh Greenwood (20), Harry Dear (38), Jonathon Beech (1)
F: Keenan Ramsey (46), Luke Lowden (40), Troy Menzel (32)
FOL: Reilly O’Brien (43), Dean Gore (36), Cam Ellis-Yolmen (28)
INT (from): Paul Hunter (37), Alex Keath (42), Matthew Spencely (50), Josh Wittwer (48), Brock Castree (58)
IN: Keath, Hunter, Knight, Wittwer
OUT: Cameron (AFL), Shaw (concussion)
