ADELAIDE coach Brenton Sanderson says he'll take a full-strength side to the Gold Coast, declaring key defender Ben Rutten fit and ready for Saturday's season-opener.
Rutten looked to have re-injured his troublesome left foot when he limped from training on Monday, but question marks over his fitness were put to bed on Wednesday when he completed a closed training session.
"He trained fully (on Wednesday), did all the drills, looked really sharp," Sanderson said.
"The set back we saw on Monday was just something very minor.
"We haven't picked the team yet and we'll have a look at the balance of the squad, but he's available for selection and we're pretty confident he'll play."
With Rutten off the injury list, Sanderson has a full squad to pick from.
"We couldn't be better prepared for the start of a long season," he said.
"I don't think I've ever been with a team who's had a full squad to pick from for round one."
Although the health and depth of Adelaide's list means some tough decisions at the selection table, Sanderson said the internal competition was a great thing for the season ahead.
"There certainly won't be anyone gifted a game early in the season you know, because there's guys really bashing down the door to be selected," he said.
"If you play you've got to perform, simple as that."
The Crows have spent the preseason focused on toughness around the contest and, after securing the NAB Cup, Sanderson said it was hugely important to set the tone early for 2012.
"The world's watching how we react to a good summer and a good NAB Cup series," he said.
"We can't flirt with our form…We've got to be on the edge every week, we've got to ensure that our players are ready to play and compete and be ruthless at every contest."
Sanderson said that with a young list brimming with talent and after another preseason, the Suns could not be underestimated, but admitted the Crows would try to dictate the game.
"Gold Coast can play some great footy when they're given some time and space," he said.
"We've got to respect them, you've got to respect every side you play but at the same time we'll try to play our way.
The former Geelong assistant knows first-hand how dangerous Gold Coast's Gary Ablett can be and said while he won't be tagged, he'll command strict attention.
"He's a pretty special player and I was lucky to play with him and lucky to coach him and then coached against him a bit last year," he said.
"I'm a fan of the accountable mid…I don't think taggers are in the game as much as they were maybe two, three, four years ago, it's more about team defence.
"We've got a couple of little plans in place to try and curb his influence… it's going to require not just one man, but team defence on those really dangerous midfielders."
Harry Thring covers Adelaide news for AFL.com.au. Follow him on Twitter: @AFL_Harry
Ben Rutten is a $280,500 defender in Toyota AFL Dream Team. Register your team here.
