Adelaide’s SANFL team has been strengthened by the inclusion of left footers Sam Shaw and Rory Atkins for Saturday’s clash with reigning premiers Norwood at Coopers Stadium.
Atkins, 21, returns after playing the first two games of his AFL career in the past fortnight.
The skilful wingman was Adelaide’s substitute in both games against the Power and Suns and is set to play his first full game in three weeks. Atkins’ last appearance at State League level was against Central District in Round 13, when he collected 29 possessions, eight marks and kicked a goal.
Shaw was a late inclusion to Adelaide’s senior team last round in what was his first AFL game in 11 months. The 24-year-old has been squeezed out of the senior side due to the return of All Australian full-back Daniel Talia.
Shaw has been named in a back pocket alongside another left footer in development player Luke Carey, who has also been added to the SANFL Crows’ defence.
Golden Grove midfielder Brock Castree is Adelaide’s final inclusion to the side that defeated West Adelaide by 63 points in Round 15.
Jarryd Lyons will join Adelaide’s AFL team for the Club’s clash with the Sydney Swans at the SCG. Shaw, James Podsiadly and Matt Crouch are the emergencies.
Young defender Sam Siggins was unavailable for SANFL selection after he was concussed during last week’s win over the Bloods.
Norwood remains the only team that Adelaide is yet to defeat since entering the SANFL last season. The Crows will also be aiming for three consecutive State League victories for the first time in the team’s history.
Club ticketed members receive free entry to Saturday’s SANFL clash at Coopers Stadium on The Parade. The game begins at 2.10pm with live commentary available via the SANFL website and smartphone app.
All five games in the SANFL’s Round 16 are scheduled for Saturday afternoon.
Woodville-West Torrens can all but cement top spot with victory over South Adelaide at home, while Sturt must defeat West Adelaide at City Mazda Stadium to keep its finals hopes alive.
Central District’s season is also on the line against Port Adelaide at Alberton Oval, but the Roosters and Tigers will be playing for pride when North Adelaide and Glenelg collide at Prospect.
Adelaide’s SANFL Team is:
B: Kyle Cheney (25), Luke Carey (59), Sam Shaw (34)
HB: Harrison Wigg (35), Andy Otten (22), Jake Kelly (47)
C: Sam Kerridge (17), Mitch Grigg (8), Cam Ellis-Yolmen (28)
HF: Nathan van Berlo (7), James Podsiadly (1), Keenan Ramsey (46)
F: Mitch McGovern (41), Jack Osborn (30), Ian Callinan (37)
FOL: Reilly O’Brien (43), Rory Atkins (21), Matt Crouch (44)
INT (from): Luke Lowden (40), Anthony Wilson (42), Sam Pfeiffer (61), Matthew Spencely (50), Brock Castree (54)
IN: Rory Atkins, Sam Shaw, Luke Carey, Brock Castree
OUT: Sam Siggins (concussion), Jarryd Lyons (AFL)
