ADELAIDE coach Don Pyke will keep Hawthorn guessing as to the make up of his side ahead of Friday night’s blockbuster, refusing to guarantee Charlie Cameron the place of injured forward Wayne Milera.
Milera injured his quad late against the Sydney Swans last weekend and the club confirmed on Wednesday the 18-year-old would likely miss the next two matches.
His absence opens the door for Cameron, who developed significantly last year into one of the game’s most exciting young forwards, only to miss the start to this season because of pre-season knee surgery.
Match preview: Hawthorn v Adelaide
He signaled his return to form before last weekend’s SANFL bye with four goals and, although Don Pyke agreed he was a candidate for Milera’s position, the coach added there were several other possible replacements.
"That’s one option (Cameron for Milera), [Riley] Knight played two weeks ago so he’s in there as well - there’s a few different options at match committee," Pyke said.
"We had a bye last week which wasn’t ideal in terms of prep, but [Cameron’s] game the week before that against Woodville/West Torrens was really strong. He’s back playing the way we know Charlie can play, which is pleasing - he finished his work with four goals.
"[Menzel’s] starting to push up, some of his recent form’s been good and he’s starting to play the style of footy we want him to play at SANFL level - he’s making good progress.
"We’ve got a number of guys performing well in our SANFL side, but our AFL side’s performing well so we manage that as best we can."
Friday night’s contest shapes as the Crows’ biggest challenge to date under Pyke and the greatest test of a game-plan that aims to spread the load as evenly as possible.
That spread will prove crucial should Eddie Betts again struggle against the Hawks; the superstar has kicked just two goals in his three matches against the reigning premiers since he crossed to Adelaide ahead of 2014.
It remains the only dent in Betts’ astonishing record at West Lakes: he’s booted 127 goals in his 49 senior Crows games.
Adelaide has been capable of scoring heavily this season even if one of its star forwards is well held and, although Pyke backed Betts to continue his great form, he also insisted he wanted the club’s emphasis on even contribution to continue.
"Does history naturally repeat itself? Not necessarily," Pyke said.
"Eddie’s in really good form, he’s in a really good, positive frame of mind and he brings that to the game on Friday night.
"He’ll be aware of [his poor recent record against Hawthorn], but hopefully it’s not going to be a dictating factor on the game."
