Retiring veteran Ben Rutten will line up at full-back in Adelaide’s SANFL clash this Saturday against Sturt at Unley Oval.
Rutten was rested last week after holding Ken Farmer Medallist Michael Wundke goalless in Adelaide’s Round 15 victory over Woodville-West Torrens.
Crafty forward Jason Porplyzia, who also missed Adelaide’s win over Glenelg through illness, joins Rutten in his return to the side. The 29-year-old collected 27 possessions and kicked two goals in his last SANFL appearance a fortnight ago.
Versatile small Rory Laird is the final AFL-listed player to join the Crows’ state league squad. Laird is set to play his first game for Adelaide’s SANFL side after he was the travelling emergency for the Club’s trip to the Gabba last weekend.
Mannum defender Michael O’Malley and Meningie midfielder Myles Warmington round out the inclusions.
Sam Kerridge, Rory Atkins and Matt Crouch are also on standby for Adelaide’s AFL side should they be required.
Crows SANFL coach Heath Younie said the side was eager to prove how far it has come after suffering a 37-point loss to the Double Blues back in Round Two.
“We feel we’ve really developed a lot since then, and this week we get that chance to prove it to the competition,” Younie said.
“They’ve got some big key forwards and a potent midfield. Sturt look like a genuine premiership threat this season, so the challenge is certainly ahead of us.
“As always, the boys are eager to make their mark.”
The SANFL Crows have won three of their past four games, but must win this week to keep their slim finals hopes alive.
“Finals are out of our hands in many ways,” Younie said.
“We are just concentrating on what we can control and that starts with Sturt on Saturday afternoon.”
The game kicks off at 2.10pm at Unley Oval with free entry to all Crows ticketed members. The match will also be streamed via a live video stream on afc.com.au.
In the other remaining SANFL games, Central District must down Glenelg to keep its own finals dream alive on Saturday, while North Adelaide and Woodville-West Torrens collide at Prospect. On Sunday, West Adelaide confront the Panthers at Richmond, with Port Adelaide and Norwood to do battle at Alberton.
The SANFL team is:
B: Rory Atkins, Ben Rutten, James Battersby
HB: Brent Reilly, Sam Siggins, Jake Kelly
C: Riley Knight, Sam Kerridge, Alex Spina
HF: Ian Callinan (c), Lewis Johnston, Jared Petrenko
F: Rory Laird, Shaun McKernan, Jason Porplyzia
R: Angus Graham, Matt Crouch, Cam Ellis-Yolmen
Interchange (from): Jack Osborn, Gene Robinson, Will Paynter, Michael O’Malley, Myles Warmington
In: Rutten, Porplyzia, Laird, O’Malley, Warmington
Out: Shaw (AFL), Pfeiffer
