Taylor Walker will continue his comeback from a knee reconstruction in Adelaide’s SANFL Showdown clash with Port Adelaide at Clare Oval on Sunday.
Walker booted three goals last Friday night at Glenelg in his first competitive appearance since Round Five, 2013. The 24-year-old will again lace up the boots for Adelaide’s State League side as the Crows look to return to the winners list against the second-placed Magpies.
Brenton Sanderson said he was tempted to recall the key forward to the AFL team, but that it was best for Walker from a physical performance perspective to spend another week in the SANFL.
Jarryd Lyons will add some midfield grunt in his first match for the State League Crows since Round Three. The 21-year-old starred with 26-possessions, 14 clearances and two goals in his last appearance at SANFL level.
Rookie Alex Spina also returns to the SANFL side after the 18-year-old was a late withdrawal in the ANZAC Day clash with Glenelg.
Skipper Ian Callinan has been named at half-forward despite a hamstring scare in the loss to the Tigers, while Jason Porplyzia has overcome a virus and will start in the midfield.
AFL emergencies Andy Otten, Ben Rutten and Brodie Martin could all play if none are required for Adelaide’s game against Melbourne on Saturday.
State League coach Heath Younie said the Crows have confidence their best football can challenge the in-form Magpies.
“We are such a young side and the guys are improving every week,” Younie said.
“I think we’ve shown in glimpses that our best footy can match it with the top teams. The next challenge to string that together for four quarters, and what an opportunity to do that this week against Port Adelaide at Clare.”
The game kicks off at 2.10pm at Clare Oval with free entry for all Crows ticketed members. The match will also be telecast live on 7mate.
Local rivals South Clare and North Clare will play in the curtain-raiser from 11am.
On-street car parking will be available to the public, and patrons are advised to use the eastern and western gates for entry into the ground.
In the other Round Five SANFL games, Glenelg hosts Norwood on Friday night while North plays Sturt at Prospect Oval and West Adelaide clash with Central District on Saturday afternoon. South Adelaide hosts the Eagles on Sunday at Noarlunga.
The SANFL team is:
B: Luke Thompson, Matt Thompson, Sam Siggins
HB: Alex Spina, Cam Ellis-Yolmen, Jake Kelly
C: Rory Atkins, Jarryd Lyons, Charlie Cameron
HF: Ian Callinan (c), Shaun McKernan, Riley Knight
F: Tyson Davis-Neale, Lewis Johnston, Taylor Walker
R: Angus Graham, Jason Porplyzia, James Battersby
Interchange (from): Gene Robinson, Tom Hughes, Michael O’Malley, George Hurley-Wellington
In: Hurley-Wellington, Hughes, Lyons, Spina
Out: Martin, Otten, Marschall
Crows ticketed members receive free entry to all of Adelaide’s SANFL matches in 2014. Click here to browse the Club’s membership options and join the 19th Man today.
