The squeeze is on for spots in Adelaide’s side to play Collingwood in round three of the NAB Cup at AAMI Stadium on Friday night.
Coach Brenton Sanderson and the Crows selectors have nearly a full squad to choose from after resting a number of senior players on the weekend.
Captain Nathan van Berlo, reigning club champion Scott Thompson, Kurt Tippett, David Mackay, Brent Reilly, Sam Jacobs, Michael Doughty and Matthew Wright did not make the trip to Alice Springs for Saturday night’s NAB Cup win over Brisbane.
Other young Crows, including Brodie Martin, Luke Brown and Mitch Grigg, played in SANFL trials.
Adelaide fielded 28 in Alice Springs, but this week will be restricted to 26.
If Adelaide wins on Friday night it will advance to the Club’s first pre-season grand final since 2008, when the Crows lost to St Kilda by five points at AAMI Stadium.
Sanderson said Friday night's game was another important step on the road to round one of the premiership season, which will see the Crows take on Gold Coast at Metricon Stadium on March 31.
“Playing Collingwood at this time of the year is great preparation for us,” Sanderson said.
“To come up against one of the AFL’s best teams is a good opportunity to test ourselves.”
Adelaide’s injury list remains short.
Defender Ben Rutten, who had foot surgery early last month, started light running last week and may soon be ready to return to some football drills.
The Crows had a light run this morning and has a closed football session on Tuesday.
Thursday morning’s light football session starts at about 10am.
As the Crows prepare for the season, click here to browse 2012 membership and join the Club from only $75 (Adult) and $45 junior.
