Assistant coach James Podsiadly has praised the resolve of Cam Ellis-Yolmen and believes the midfielder could still feature in Adelaide’s finals campaign.
Ellis-Yolmen, 23, will play his first AFL game of the season on Saturday night after being named among three inclusions for Adelaide’s clash with Brisbane.
The dynamic onballer has been in strong form all season in the SANFL but has been unable to force his way into Adelaide’s in-form AFL midfield.
Ellis-Yolmen leads the State League competition for contested possessions, is ranked second for disposals and third in clearances. He was best on ground with 34 possessions, nine clearances and two goals, including the sealer, in Adelaide’s SANFL Showdown victory over the Magpies last Sunday.
Podsiadly said Ellis-Yolmen was just one example of the Club’s growing depth.
“We’ve had a whole heap of midfielders in the AFL team who have been playing really well,” Podsiadly said on Friday.
“You could say he’s been a bit unlucky, but at the same time we’ve had some good guys in some good form.
“From the match committee’s perspective looking at Cam all year, he’s shown some resilience to wait until Round 20 to get his first game of the year.
‘”Campo’ (midfield assistant Scott Camporeale) in particular has been really happy with his progression and to get a game this late in the season is a credit to him.”
Scott Thompson will miss Saturday night’s clash with the Lions as the Club continues to manage the veteran’s workload in the lead-up to September.
Fellow onballers Rory Sloane, Brad and Matt Crouch and mid/forward pair Jarryd Lyons and Richard Douglas have all performed consistently throughout the season.
Podsiadly said the incoming Ellis-Yolmen could yet consolidate a place in Adelaide’s finals-bound side.
“We wouldn’t pick Cam Ellis-Yolmen if we didn’t think he could have an impact in finals,” Podsiadly said.
“He gets an opportunity tomorrow night to prove that.”
Saturday night’s ruck duel looms as an intriguing battle between Crows debutant Reilly O’Brien and second-gamer Archie Smith of Brisbane. Experienced Lion Stefan Martin will miss a second consecutive game due to niggling injury concerns.
Podsiadly said the match would provide a glimpse into the future for both teams.
“We’ve got a second-gamer and a first-gamer going head to head. It’ll be exciting,” Podsiadly said.
“Smith from Brisbane was pretty good last week watching his tape and Reilly O’Brien for us has been pretty solid in the SANFL all year and we’ve seen some great development.
“For him to get an opportunity is exciting for the Club.”
