Adelaide forward Ned McHenry is set to make his debut in Saturday’s Showdown, much to the delight of coach Matthew Nicks.

The 19-year-old joined the Crows as pick No.16 in the 2018 National Draft and has impressed the Club’s selection panel since returning from isolation training.

“Neddy is a young, feisty fella… he’s the one that we really wanted to get in,” Nicks told Triple M’s Roo & Ditts on Friday morning.

“He’s benefited from some time off to get up to the AFL standard.

“There’s no question on how hard he goes for the footy.”

Ben Keays and Ben Crocker will make their Club debuts against the Power following moves from Brisbane and Collingwood respectively.

“They’re two slightly more experienced guys who have come from other clubs,” Nicks told reporters on Friday.

“We’re really pleased to give those guys a go… they haven’t put a foot wrong since they’ve been here.

“We get leadership, attention to detail, especially from Ben Keays who can play multiple roles across the ground.”

On Saturday, Nicks will face former boss Ken Hinkley for the first time as a senior coach.

Nicks spent seven years working under Hinkley at Port Adelaide including two years as the senior assistant.

“I’ve taken a lot from Ken, a lot of my learnings are from him,” Nicks said.

“I’ve got huge respect for him… I would like to walk off at the end of the game and give him an elbow (instead of a handshake), hopefully with a win.”