Matthew Nicks is about to unleash the hounds towards Gold Coast backing the starvation of his inexperienced defenders to beat Adelaide’s mounting casualty listing of their again half.
Jordon Butts grew to become the newest tall defender to endure a long-term damage when he hobbled out of the Showdown win towards Port Adelaide with a season-ending foot damage.
Butts, who will miss three months after present process surgical procedure to fuse a damaged bone in his foot, joined fellow talls Tom Doedee and Nick Murray, who’ve each undergone knee reconstructions, on the sidelines.
Tall defender James Borlase will make his debut in his third season on the membership, becoming a member of Mark Keane, who made his membership debut final week, and Luke Nankervis, who will play simply his third AFL recreation, in an inexperienced again six.
“We‘ve played a really stable group throughout the year and now we’re getting the benefit of some guys coming from the SANFL who are a little fresher and are coming in hungry … the hungry dogs,” Nicks stated.
“That‘s what we’re seeing at the moment … we’ve got a few guys ready to go.
“I‘ve got no doubt that (James) will give it everything he’s got and if it’s anything like Keaney then we’ll take that.
“He‘s been waiting a long time … I’m respectful for everyone in the SANFL but he’d be one of the best key backs in the game at that level.
“He gets his job done week in, week out.
“He‘s been constantly coming into my office and letting me know that he’s ready … I love that about him.
“We‘ve had some really heated discussions about it … ’Don’t chase the butterfly, it will land on you at some point’ and that’s what’s happened now.
“He‘s done his time and he’s ready.”
Luke Pedlar gained‘t play against the Suns at Adelaide Oval on Saturday, the exciting forward given a spell to freshen up after his form tapered.
Pedlar‘s absence leaves the door open for Josh Rachele to reclaim his spot after serving a two-week suspension for striking.
“He‘s really running on top of the ground and looks like he’s again to the place he’s performed a few of his greatest footy beforehand,” Nicks stated of Rachele.
“So, he‘s putting his hand up, definitely.”
Veteran onballer Matt Crouch‘s career revival will continue after the 28-year-old starred with 12 clearances in the surprise 47-point win against the Power that reinvigorated the Crows’ bid to play finals.
The starring position by Crouch in simply his second AFL match this season helped dispel the notion that he can‘t play in the same midfield as fellow stoppage beast Rory Laird.
“I think the opportunity just hasn‘t shown itself this year for him,” Nicks said of Crouch’s absence at AFL stage.
“He‘s been playing strong footy at SANFL level … our squad mentality – Matt’s been a big part of that.
“There have obviously been conversations around Laird and Crouch in the same midfield … Matty has worked a lot over the past couple of years on his game and adding to his weapon, which is inside around stoppage.
“He‘s showing that and other parts to his game at the moment, which has been really pleasing because it’s allowed us to play a slightly different midfield mix to what we have throughout the year.
“But it‘s really pleasing to see a player get reward for patience, for having a team-first mentality, that’s what Matty’s done this year and you get what you deserve.
“Good things happen to good people.
“He‘s now got his opportunity and he’s taken it with both hands.”
Originally printed as Adelaide coach backs younger defenders as accidents mount on the Crows
Source: www.dailytelegraph.com.au
