Two of Adelaide’s 2007 draftees are among seven new faces named in a 28-man squad for Saturday’s NAB Cup clash against Collingwood in Dubai.
Eighteen-year-olds Jarrhan Jacky and Andy Otten, drafted less than three months ago, were today selected in the Crows’ unplaced squad which will be reduced to 26 before the match.
Recruits Brad Symes (from Port Adelaide) and Brad Moran (Kangaroos) and 2006 draftees James Sellar, Kurt Tippett and David Mackay are also in the mix for the AFL season opener.
Sellar, Tippett and Mackay played for Adelaide in NAB Cup trials last year but all had their 2006 seasons ruined or disrupted by injuries.
Adelaide’s squad also includes six other players with less than 40 AFL games – Chris Knights (34), Richard Douglas (16), Ivan Maric (14), Bernie Vince (10), Jason Porplyzia (26) and Bryce Campbell (one).
Coach Neil Craig said it was an exciting time for the club and its supporters.
“We want to use the NAB Cup to have a look at some of these younger players, to expose them to the competition,” he said. “There are also others who have previously played some football at this level we will be looking to hand more responsibility. So that’s not only exciting for the team, it’s exciting for the members who can enjoy watching these players in action.”
Nathan Bassett (stayed in Adelaide for famly reasons), Rhett Biglands (knee), Trent Hentschel (knee) and Myke Cook (knee) were unavailable for the match while several other players including Nick Gill and Greg Gallman have returned to full training but have had limited preparation and were not considered.
The Adelaide squad is: Brad Moran, Kris Massie, Kurt Tippett, Scott Thompson, Nathan van Berlo, Tyson Edwards, Jarrhan Jacky, Michael Doughty, Robert Shirley, David Mackay, Brad Symes, Ken McGregor, Bernie Vince, Graham Johncock, Ivan Maric, Chris Knights, Andy Otten, Andrew McLeod, Brett Burton, Ben Rutten, Richard Douglas, Scott Stevens, James Sellar, Bryce Campbell, Brent Reilly, Simon Goodwin, Jason Porplyzia, Nathan Bock.
