West Adelaide to regain a raft of personnel for SANFL battle against Eagles

WEST Adelaide will go into Saturday’s clash against Woodville-West Torrens buoyed by a solid trial victory over Adelaide and strengthened by the inclusion of key personnel.

West Adelaide will go into Saturday’s clash against Woodville-West Torrens buoyed by a solid trial victory over Adelaide and strengthened by the inclusion of key personnel.

Former Crow Jason Porplyzia, captain Chris Schmidt, Adam Hartlett and Kaine Stevens will be available to front the Eagles after missing the 20-point win over Adelaide at Richmond on Saturday.

Bloods football manager Andrew Marks described the contest as a really, really high standard but said his side needed to polish its goalkicking after missing plenty of opportunities in front of goal.

“We were really happy with our ball movement and some of our young fellows were very good,’’ he said. “Our trial form has been good but every club can probably say they were happy. Now we go to the dance.’’

Youngsters Will Snelling, Hugh Haysman, Jack Agostino and Jesse Watchman impressed in the trial against the Crows. Watchman, a product of Blackwood, is a tall, strong mark forward able to be used in ruck and he made his league debut last year.

The Crows had plenty of firepower in their side on Saturday. Veteran Scott Thompson, having his first hit-out for the year after being hampered by hamstring problems, picked up 23 touches in his three quarters of action.

Matt Crouch amassed 34 possessions while Brodie Martin was effective rotating on the ball. James Podsiadly was productive in defence and Jake Lever, playing his first game with the Crows following a knee reconstruction in 2013, had plenty of encouraging moments.

The Advertiser is again producing team posters this season with reigning premier Norwood available in today’s paper.