Adelaide younger gun Riley Thilthorpe seems set to be squeezed out for the beginning of the AFL season because the competitors for big-man spots heats up.
Thilthorpe has performed 25 video games since being snared with decide No.2 within the 2020 nationwide draft, however the 20-year-old was overlooked for final week’s 59-point pre-season win over West Coast.
Coach Matthew Nicks most popular Elliott Himmelberg over Thilthorpe as Reilly O’Brien’s ruck back-up, and the 199cm huge man tallied 14 disposals, 4 marks, six hitouts and two clearances to go along with his 0.2 in entrance of purpose.
Darcy Fogarty starred with 4 objectives in assault, whereas Ben Keays (4 objectives) and Taylor Walker (three) had been additionally prolific in a well-functioning ahead line.
The 202cm Thilthorpe was labelled a future star even earlier than he was drafted, however he might must bide his time earlier than working his method again into the senior group.
Adelaide’s season begins with an away project in opposition to GWS on March 19.
“Sometimes it needs a little bit of time,” Nicks replied when requested about Thilthorpe’s omission in opposition to West Coast final week.
“Right now, Riley and Elliott are right there together fighting for a spot in that forward line and second ruck.
“And we have additionally bought Kieran Strachan who’s an excellent ruckman, combating with these two.
“Reilly O’Brien has the nod (as the No.1 ruckman) at this point, but that’s one of the strengths of this sort of pre-season period.
“Those guys have been battling for months now. There’s quite a few gamers placing stress on from under.”
The Crows will enter the season full of confidence after beating Fremantle and West Coast during the pre-season.
New recruit Izak Rankine has enjoyed a strong summer, kicking three goals against Fremantle before producing one major to go with two score assists against West Coast.
The Crows completed 14th final season with an 8-14 file, however their pre-season kind has buoyed hopes they will stand up the ladder this yr.
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
