The Crows take on North Adelaide at Prospect Oval in the opening round and Younie – a two-time North club champion – expects a demanding debut against last year’s grand finalist, now coached by former Crow Ken McGregor.
“It’s a really exciting time for us. The opportunity to have our own players together and competing in a really strong SANFL has been a target of the Club for some time,” Younie said.
Losses in the last two trial games against South Adelaide and the Eagles after the team’s opening win over Sturt had underlined the value of the competition.
“Our players have been exposed to quality, strong-bodied opposition and this is the way it’s going to be all year,” he said.
“For the older or more experienced players, that’s what they need. And for our younger players, it’s a real challenge and great experience. We’ve had lads like Matt Crouch, Alex Spina, Riley Knight, Rory Atkins, Charlie Cameron and James Battersby rotate through the midfield.
“But for us, it’s also about being able to play as a group. The players are looking forward to representing the Adelaide Football Club and it will also be great for our fans. North, at home first up, will be a really tough start.”
Younie has no issues with having to wait for AFL selection before he can finalise his squad.
“That will be the way it is all season, that’s fine,” he said. “I’m in regular contact with Brenton (Sanderson) so there won’t be any surprises for us. At this stage it looks like we may need to use a few of our development squad and that’s going to be great for those players.”
Key defender Kyle Hartigan must serve a one-week SANFL suspension this weekend but he is available for AFL selection.
The SANFL’s opening round starts on Thursday night when Norwood hosts Port Adelaide. Glenelg is at home to against Sturt on Friday night, the Eagles clash with Central District on Saturday afternoon, and South Adelaide plays West Adelaide under lights on Saturday night.
It will be the first time the SANFL has had ten competing teams since 1990.
