Promoted rookie Jake Kelly will make his AFL debut at Adelaide Oval on Saturday, while Scott Thompson has been recalled to play his first game of the season.

All Australian defender Brodie Smith, who was concussed against Collingwood last weekend, has also been included in the team to play Melbourne.

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On Thursday, Kelly was elevated to Adelaide’s senior list in place of veteran Brent Reilly, who has been placed on the long-term injury list.

A 189cm, 87kg, defender, Kelly was recruited by the Crows with pick No.40 in the Rookie Draft of December, 2013. The 20-year-old made his Crows debut in the Club’s NAB Challenge game against North Melbourne in Port Lincoln last month, and played all three pre-season matches.

In his first season at Adelaide, Kelly played every game for the Club’s SANFL team, finishing equal-runner up in the best and fairest award. He led the SANFL Crows for marks and averaged 16 possessions, while also shutting down some of the League’s best forwards.

Jake is the son of Collingwood premiership defender, Craig Kelly, who also played 121 games for Norwood. The ultra-competitive backman, who is renowned for his professionalism and meticulous approach, is affectionately known as ‘Bull’ because of his ‘bull-at-a-gate’ approach to training. He will become the 202^nd player to represent the Adelaide Football Club in a match for premiership points.

Crows Head of Football David Noble said Kelly would replace defender Kyle Cheney, who will miss with a hamstring complaint.

“Jake’s work ethic has enabled him to develop, firstly, to a point where he got his first taste of AFL in the NAB Challenge. He looked comfortable at the level and handled the speed and intensity. He played some specific defensive roles, so he’s a good replacement for Kyle,” Noble said.

“It’s a great opportunity for Jake and he’s worked really hard for it. He’s a very diligent young footballer and we’re excited for him to make his AFL debut.”

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Noble said Cheney’s injury was only minor.

“Kyle had some soreness after the Collingwood game. He was assessed during the week and he’s got a minor hamstring issue, so we won’t take any chances with him,” Noble said.

“It’s not a long-term issue. Hopefully, only a week or two.”

Noble said Smith would still require further assessment before being cleared to play.

“So far so good, and Brodie has made encouraging progress,” Noble said.

“He still needs to pass the final stages of testing, but we won’t be taking any risks as you cannot afford to with this type of injury.”

Thompson, who didn’t feature in the NAB Challenge because of a hamstring injury, earns a call-up after two impressive performances in the SANFL. The two-time Club Champion takes the place of young onballer Mitch Grigg, who started as the substitute against the Pies.

“It’s great to have Scott back. He brings a wealth of experience. I daresay he’s champing at the bit to get back out there. He was really good in the SANFL last week. He blew out the cobwebs in the State League the week before, and then was back to some good form last week.

“Scott gives us some more midfield depth and allows us to be flexible with our other onballers. We’ve got really good competition now, especially, in those midfield roles.”

Noble said the injured Reilly was pleased to see a developing young player in Kelly make his AFL debut.

“Brent was really excited for Jake. He’s done some mentoring with Jake in the past and he was stoked that someone was coming in to play the role that he’s been teaching him," Noble said.

“We’ll continue to be patient with Brent’s recovery. Putting him on the long-term injury list means there’s no stress or pressure there and that Brent and the Club can take their time making sure that all the mechanisms are in place for his full recovery before we have to make any decisions on his football.”

Limited daily tickets remain for Saturday’s game at Adelaide Oval.

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Adelaide’s SANFL team will play against former Crow Jason Porplyzia’s West Adelaide at Richmond on Friday night. Crows members get free entry to the Club’s SANFL matches with presentation of their 2015 membership card.

The AFL team is:
IN: Jake Kelly (AFL debut), Scott Thompson
OUT: Kyle Cheney (hamstring), Mitch Grigg (omitted)