The Club can confirm Scott Thompson will miss Sunday’s twilight clash with Collingwood because of a hamstring complaint.
Thompson has been replaced in the selected side by young midfielder Mitch Grigg, who will start as the substitute.
Thompson was subbed out of Adelaide’s last match against Hawthorn a fortnight ago after experiencing back/hamstring tightness. The two-time Club Champion was named in the team on Friday, but ruled out after training on Saturday. It means Thompson’s streak of consecutive games ends on 99.
On Friday, the Crows confirmed two changes to their team to play Collingwood at the MCG, recalling wingman David Mackay and in-form defender Luke Thompson.
Mackay returns after missing Adelaide’s clash with Hawthorn because of a hamstring complaint.
Luke Thompson will play his first AFL game since Round 15, and only second of the season replacing veteran Ben Rutten. Mackay comes in at the expense of Jason Porplyzia, who has been omitted.
“Porps had limited opportunity against Hawthorn, starting as the sub,” Sanderson said.
“His performance in the Showdown and his training form gives us full confidence that he can play at AFL level, but he’s only played a quarter of footy in the last three weeks and we feel he needs a full game in the SANFL.
“Luke Thompson deserves another opportunity. He also played well in that game against Port, but was squeezed out of the team to make way for Truck (Rutten) the next week.
“Now, Luke’s just ahead of Truck on current form. It’s tough for those guys who miss out, but it’s great we’re starting to get a fit list together and some real competition for spots.”
Read the AFL.com.au preview of Sunday’s big twilight clash
Two Crows will celebrate milestones against the Magpies. Richard Douglas will play his 150th game, while James Podsiadly will line up in his 100th AFL match. Two-time Club Champion Scott Thompson is set to play his 100th consecutive game on Sunday.
It’s a crucial game for the eighth-placed Pies and 10th-placed Crows, who are separated by only four points on the AFL ladder. Check out the run home for the finals aspirants.
The team is:
IN: David Mackay, Luke Thompson, Mitch Grigg
OUT: Jason Porplyzia, Ben Rutten (omitted), Scott Thompson (back/hamstring)
B: Luke Thompson, Daniel Talia, Luke Brown
HB: Matthew Jaensch, Andy Otten, Ricky Henderson
C: Brodie Smith, Richard Douglas, Rory Sloane
HF: Eddie Betts, James Podsiadly, Tom Lynch
F: Josh Jenkins, Taylor Walker, Brodie Martin
RUCKS: Sam Jacobs, Patrick Dangerfield, Brad Crouch
INTERCHANGE: Matthew Wright, David Mackay, Mitch Grigg, Rory Laird
