Adelaide coach Matthew Nicks has attributed a spate of hamstring injuries at the Crows to recent AFL rule changes that have accelerated the pace of the game. The Crows will be without in-form defender Wayne Milera for Saturday night's Showdown against Port Adelaide after he suffered a hamstring strain at training.
Eighth Hamstring Injury for Adelaide
Milera becomes the eighth Adelaide player to sustain a hamstring injury this season, joining a list that includes Izak Rankine, prized recruit Callum Ah Chee, and veteran Taylor Walker. Nicks noted that the trend is league-wide, with many teams grappling with similar issues. “Across the league, it’s a trend I think a lot of teams are working through,” he told reporters on Friday.
Rule Changes Blamed for Increased Speed
Nicks pointed to several rule tweaks that have increased the speed of the game. “With the changes in the game, the speed of the game, it has gone up a lot more high speed than what we’re seeing the last few years. Extra rotation on the bench; last touch out of bounds — there’s a few slight tweaks. And a lot of teams are finding some challenges in that space from a games missed point of view,” he said.
Milera's Injury Described as Minor
Milera, who was considered an All Australian contender, reported soreness at midweek training. Nicks described the injury as minor, saying, “It was just common sense: no risk taken.” Milera has been replaced by Isaac Cumming, who is returning from his own hamstring injury, while key backman Nick Murray has been dropped in favour of Josh Worrell.
Worrell Returns After Illness
Worrell missed Adelaide’s win over Melbourne last weekend due to illness. Nicks dismissed suggestions that the intercept defender had been sidelined for disciplinary reasons, calling them inaccurate.
Showdown Preview
The Crows (nine wins, five losses) sit fifth on the ladder and enter the Showdown as firm favourites against a struggling Port Adelaide side. The Power (four wins, 10 losses) languish in 15th and have been hit by injuries, with Esava Ratugolea (patella tendon) and Ewan Mackinlay (knee) out for the season after being hurt last weekend. Power coach Josh Carr has dropped Todd Marshall, Harrison Ramm, and Tom Cochrane, while recalling Brownlow medallist Ollie Wines, Dante Visentini, Jacob Wehr, Brandon Zerk-Thatcher, and Mitch Zadow.
Nicks Acknowledges Port's Challenges
Despite Port’s struggles, Nicks expects a tough contest. “They have had their challenges, but they’re playing a great brand of footy and I know Josh really well, I have coached with him along my journey and he’s a fantastic coach. We understand form means nothing when you come into a Showdown. They’re tight battles more often than not,” he said.
