Two Adelaide recruits will have the chance to show what they’ve got this weekend as they pull on a Crows guernsey against an opposition for the first time.
Former Giant Jackson Hately and Pick 38. James Rowe are set to play against Port Adelaide at Alberton this weekend, with Matt Crouch unavailable for the practice match.
Assistant Coach Nathan van Berlo said Crouch’s omission, with Doedee and Talia also ruled out, opened up an opportunity for the new players to get a run.
“There’s definitely still some spots up for grabs that will be determined in the next couple of weeks,” he said.
Hately is set to fill the midfield gap on the weekend while Fischer McAsey and Jake Kelly - to name a few - will hold down the fort in defence.
“Kelly’s had to play taller than he normally would but we’re lucky that he has the versatility to play tall and small,” van Berlo said.
“We’ve put the work into them over preseason but we’ll wait and see what pans out in that space.
“Hopefully in the coming weeks the fans get to see what our brand’s about and what the young guys have to offer.”
The Assistant Coach also hailed the efforts of the Club’s freshest faces in the off-season.
“Last year, they really didn’t have seasons - some of them played school footy, Victorian leagues were broken up in terms of what they were able to play,” he said.
“To come in and have an impact off that limited build-up and show us what they’ve shown has been really pleasing.”
With the Crows set to play the Power again in the Community Series the following weekend, van Berlo said the side was relishing the challenge.
“We know what a quality outfit Port Adelaide has been over the past couple of years,” he said.
“Traditionally speaking there’s always been that added bit of intensity to a Showdown game, whether it be preseason or in-season - I wouldn’t expect anything to be different this weekend.
“It’s a good test for our group.”
The crosstown pre-season double-header will kick off at Alberton Oval with a SANFL practice match starting at 8.30am ACDT, followed by an AFL practice match from 11am ACDT.
