Adelaide Crows Injury Scare: Key Forwards Thilthorpe, Fogarty Doubtful for Fremantle Clash
The Adelaide Crows have been hit with a significant injury scare just days before their crucial AFL match against the Fremantle Dockers. Key forwards Riley Thilthorpe and Darcy Fogarty failed to complete a match-eve training session, casting doubt over their availability for Friday night's clash at Adelaide Oval.
Fogarty received treatment on his back during the session, while Thilthorpe left training early due to a proppy condition. Crows assistant coach Nathan van Berlo expressed uncertainty about the status of the attacking duo ahead of the team's selection meeting.
"I have just come off the track so I'm unaware of anything at the moment," van Berlo told reporters after training, highlighting the last-minute nature of the concerns.
Walker Returns as Crows Battle Injuries
In a boost for the Crows, veteran forward Taylor Walker is set to be recalled for the match against the third-placed Dockers. Walker missed Adelaide's eight-point loss to Geelong while recovering from an undisclosed injury.
Captain Jordan Dawson, who also missed the game against the Cats due to a calf injury, has been cleared to return against Fremantle. However, triple club champion Rory Laird has failed to recover in time from a calf complaint and will be sidelined for the Dockers clash.
The Crows, with a record of one win and two losses this season, face a formidable opponent in Fremantle, who have two wins and one loss.
Ruck Changes and Selection Shake-Up
Adelaide is set to summon ruckman Reilly O'Brien for his first AFL game this season, with Finnbar Maley likely to be squeezed out of the side. This decision comes as the Crows prepare to face Fremantle's strong ruck combination of Sean Darcy and Luke Jackson.
Van Berlo acknowledged the challenge, stating, "Obviously coming up against Jackson and Darcy ... it's silly not to discuss that as a match committee." He praised O'Brien's work ethic and leadership, noting his readiness to contribute.
Changes to the ruck rules, which outlaw grappling at centre bounces, initially led Adelaide to overlook O'Brien. However, his experience is now seen as crucial against the Dockers' top-tier ruck duo.
Additional Team Adjustments
Utility Billy Dowling appears set for an AFL return, replacing Luke Nankervis in the lineup. Meanwhile, James Borlase will be summoned to fill in for fellow key backman Jordon Butts, who is out due to concussion.
These selection changes reflect the Crows' ongoing efforts to manage injuries and optimize their squad for the upcoming match. The team's depth and adaptability will be tested as they aim to secure a vital win against a high-performing Fremantle side.
As the Crows navigate these challenges, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how the team adapts to the last-minute setbacks and whether they can overcome the Dockers in what promises to be a tightly contested encounter.
