Crows regain vice-captain Rory Sloane but denied vital forward Tom Lynch with concussion

RORY Sloane is among six critical changes to the Adelaide line-up for Saturday’s home clash with West Coast, but fellow team leader Tom Lynch has a new injury concern

CROWS vice-captain and All-Australian midfielder Rory Sloane is back - as part of six changes to the Adelaide line-up to host finals-bound West Coast at Adelaide Oval on Saturday.

The uncontracted free agent will make his first competitive football appearance since being struck down by a serious foot injury more than two months ago. Sloane last played in the AFL on Friday, April 13 at Adelaide Oval against Collingwood.

Sloane’s return is critical to keeping alive 11th-placed Adelaide’s chances of qualifying for its fourth consecutive top-eight final series in September.

So are the returns of All-Australian defender Rory Laird and much-valued fellow defender Luke Brown.

But vital forward Tom Lynch, who signed a new three-year contract at the weekend, remains on Adelaide’s hefty injury list.

Crows coach Don Pyke, far right, has made six changes to his line-up to play West Coast at Adelaide Oval on Saturday - regaining vice-captain Rory Sloane and recalling hard-bodied midfielder Curtly Hampton. Picture: Daniel Kalisz (Getty Images)

He has recovered from the rib/side strain suffered against Greater Western Sydney on June 3, but took a heavy knock near the end of training on Wednesday to now be troubled by concussion.

“Lynchy was tracking really well and everything had settled with his side strain. Unfortunately in the last two minutes of our match sim, just got an innocuous head knock,” Crows coach Don Pyke said.

“From there he reported having some headache symptoms. It looks like he’s got some mild concussion there, so he’s been ruled out with that.”

Pyke has regained three key players from the medical rooms - Sloane, Laird (broken hand) and Brown (ankle).

“Rory’s an important part of our side so to get him back and available is fantastic for him. He’s jumping out of his skin ready to go,” Pyke said.

“With Rory Laird and Luke Brown coming back in as well, (both) key components of our back half, we’re looking forward to them getting out there on Saturday.”

Pyke has recalled hard-bodied midfielder Curtly Hampton, comeback midfielder Cam Ellis-Yolmen and first-year forward Darcy Fogarty continues his yo-yo ride between AFL and SANFL action.

But Pyke loses three experienced players to the medical rooms - specialist goalkicker Eddie Betts (hamstring), North Melbourne recruit Sam Gibson (hamstring), veteran swingman Andy Otten (Achilles).

With Adelaide’s season on the line, Pyke also has reacted to the poor form shown against Hawthorn at the MCG before the mid-season break by dumping Rory Atkins and novices Myle Poholke and Patrick Wilson, who rose from the rookie list for his AFL debut against the Hawks.