The Crows have made two late changes for Balfours Showdown XXXVII on Sunday afternoon, with forward Jason Porplyzia and defender Luke Thompson coming into the team.
Porplyzia and Thompson replace midfielder Sam Kerridge (toe) and defender Rory Laird (quad), who will both miss because of injury. Young onballer Jarryd Lyons will start as the substitute.
On Thursday, Adelaide recalled key pair Brad Crouch and Tom Lynch for the twilight clash. Lynch hasn’t played at AFL level since fracturing his jaw in a collision with Melbourne onballer Jack Viney in Round Seven. Adelaide’s 2013 leading goalkicker, who has overcome foot, shoulder and jaw injuries this year, made a successful return in the SANFL last weekend and will play only his fourth AFL game of the season against Port Adelaide.
Like Lynch, Crouch has also endured a frustrating run with injuries, limited to just two AFL games after an interrupted pre-season campaign. The skilful young midfielder suffered a fractured leg in the Round Two Showdown, which kept him sidelined for two months. He’s played two SANFL games in his comeback, but was unavailable for selection through suspension last week.
Lynch and Crouch replace veteran defender Ben Rutten (rested) and wingman David Mackay, who withdrew from the squad on Friday after failing to overcome a concussion.
Coach Brenton Sanderson said Lynch and Crouch were welcome additions to the side.
“Tommy Lynch is going to be important for us. He’s only played one (full) game this year. Brad Crouch will play as well and he’s a really good in for us. He’s only played one (full) game as well because he broke his leg in the last Showdown,” Sanderson said.
“We’ve missed Lynch a lot. The (full) game he came back for against the Western Bulldogs (in Round Six), he was the best player on the ground. He’s an animal on the track. He’s super fit and will really work hard to help in defence and then push forward. He’s a tricky match up too.
“Those players are always handy in your forward line.”
Read the AFL.com.au Preview of Balfours Showdown XXXVII
Sanderson said the Club had taken a “calculated risk” in not selecting Rutten.
Utility Ricky Henderson wasn’t considered for selection after suffering a corked thigh early in his second game back from a broken ankle. Forward Charlie Cameron will miss another week with groin soreness.
Read the stats that matter ahead of Sunday’s Showdown
Balfours Showdown XXXVII will be Adelaide’s first ‘home’ Showdown at the new Adelaide Oval. Public tickets to the blockbuster match are sold out. You can still gain entry (standing room) to the game by joining as a GA 11-Game Member.
The squad is:
IN: Tom Lynch, Brad Crouch, Jason Porplyzia, Luke Thompson
OUT: Ben Rutten (rested), David Mackay (concussion), Sam Kerridge (toe), Rory Laird (quad)
