Phil Walsh’s willingness to reward players in good form has excited Adelaide’s next wave of young players, says emerging onballer Riley Knight.
Just seven games into his tenure as Crows coach, Walsh has shown no hesitation in introducing new blood into Adelaide’s senior side.
Livewire forward Charlie Cameron has already managed six games this season after notching seven senior games in his first year at the Club.
Cam Ellis-Yolmen has been a revelation in Season 2015, despite a recent hamstring issue, after making his debut as the substitute in Round 12 of last season.
Draftee Jake Lever has impressed in his first two AFL games, while promoted rookie Jake Kelly has earned high praise from Walsh for his hard work ethic on his way to five appearances at AFL level.
Teen ruckman Reilly O’Brien has also been promoted to the Club’s senior list and may come under consideration for an AFL berth in the coming weeks.
A growing injury list has forced Crows coaching staff to test its depth in recent times, but Knight said the players were taking confidence from Walsh’s fresh attitude.
“It’s great that Walshy has promoted some younger kids and it’s definitely motivating for us,” Knight said after Adelaide’s SANFL Showdown clash in Balaklava.
“It’s good to be able to go out on the park and know that if you can play good footy and string a few games together that there could be an opportunity at the end of it.
“It pushes you even harder knowing that it could be pretty close.”
Knight was among several untried Crows who showed promise in the Mid North on Sunday. He amassed an equal team-high 25 disposals at 84 per cent efficiency in an impressive return from a serious ankle injury.
Keenan Ramsey slotted a season-best three goals from 11 possessions and three marks. The 18-year-old rookie has booted at least one major in all of Adelaide’s SANFL games this season.
Fellow rookie Jack Osborn also bagged a career-best four goals and took several strong contested marks deep in Adelaide’s forward line.
“He’s really starting to settle into the side now,” Knight said of the former basketballer, who has endured two injury-ravaged seasons with the Crows.
“He’s a great target up there for us. He clunks everything and he’s quite agile for a big bloke as well.
“We love having him in the side and it’s good to see him playing some good footy.”
Adelaide has 10 players, including the currently injured Harry Dear (shoulder) and Rory Atkins (knee), who are yet to make their AFL debuts.
Luke Lowden, Matt Crouch, Kyle Hartigan, Lever, Kelly, Ellis-Yolmen and Cameron have all played less than 15 senior games.
