The Crows have made a late change for Sunday’s game against Greater Western Sydney, with promising defender Sam Shaw replacing full-back Ben Rutten in the selected 22.

Rutten will sit out the clash because of knee soreness. Tom Lynch, who will play his first AFL game since last August, will start as Adelaide’s substitute.

On Friday, it was announced Lynch would play his first AFL game of the season against Greater Western Sydney.

Lynch missed a month after dislocating his shoulder in the Club’s last pre-season hit-out against the Giants. Adelaide’s 2013 leading goalkicker made a successful return from injury in the SANFL last weekend, amassing 31 possessions, nine marks and a goal.

The hard-running goalkicker, who kicked 10 goals in his last game against GWS, is the only change to the Crows team that beat St Kilda. Lynch returns at the expense of last week’s substitute, Brodie Martin.

Coach Brenton Sanderson said Lynch would be a welcome addition to the Crows line-up.

“Lynchy is an important part of our team,” Sanderson said.

“He’s a smart player and works hard to provide a target ahead of the ball. He gives us a different dimension in attack and also adds scoring power.

“Brodie Martin didn’t do much wrong last week. Someone had to make way for Lynchy to return and Brodie is the unfortunate one.”

Martin, midfielder Mitch Grigg and utility Sam Shaw are the emergencies. If not required by the AFL team, the trio will play in Adelaide’s SANFL clash with Central District at Elizabeth, where swingman Andy Otten will make his return from injury.

The Easter Sunday clash will mark two-time Crows Club Champion Scott Thompson’s 250th AFL game. In-form defender Matt Jaensch will also celebrate his 50th game.

Thanks to Premier Partner Foodland, the Club will be giving away Easter eggs to supporters as they arrive at Adelaide Oval. Grab your egg from any of the five CROWmania outlets, membership information points and roaming staff in the Southern Plaza from 11am.

The match is the perfect opportunity for fans, who missed out on Adelaide’s first two games at the new venue, to watch the Crows in action. Less than 2,000 tickets remain for the match. Tickets will be available at the gate. Read more ticketing and match day information.

The team is:
IN: Tom Lynch
OUT: Brodie Martin (omitted)