South Adelaide’s Peter Rolfe makes long-awaited return in the reserves

SOUTH Adelaide is to regain a key weapon on Friday when Peter Rolfe makes his comeback from knee surgery in the reserves clash against Glenelg.

SOUTH Adelaide is to regain a key weapon on Friday when Peter Rolfe makes his comeback from knee surgery in the reserves clash against Glenelg at Noarlunga.

Rolfe has not played since damaging the ACL in his right knee against Sturt in round three last year.

The small forward has been back in full training for the past month and will be eased back into action.

Panthers coach Brad Gotch said Rolfe won’t be rushed back and it could be four weeks before he returned to league action.

“He has been knocking the door down and has got the all clear from the medical staff,’’ Gotch said.

“So why hold him back although his game time will be monitored.’’

The Tigers will also have a familiar face in the reserves when veteran Ty Allen makes his season debut after knee surgery delayed his pre-season.

Tigers coach Nick Stevens said Allen had had a couple of operations since last season and he will no doubt be a little underdone.

Stevens anticipates Allen will have at least two weeks in the reserves before being promoted to the league side.

“We have left a lot up to Ty - he knows what is required,’’ Stevens said.

“We won’t rush people back and will be conservative to make sure the players are ready.’’

The Panthers and Tigers will attack Friday’s game with contrasting starts to the season.

After beating West Adelaide in the opening round, the Panthers conquered North Adelaide at Prospect Oval with an impressive performance.

It has been a nightmare start for Stevens in his debut season at the helm at Glenelg, following a loss to Sturt and a record 152-point thrashing from Port Adelaide at Alberton.

“It is probably a good thing to have the short week,’’ Stevens said.

“Training has been upbeat. We were disappointed with the way we played and we have to make amends.

“We have to learn from that game (against the Magpies).

“Even on the day it was an education for the players - guys in different positions and on AFL players to get that experience.

“It was a good education experience. I feel the boys are pretty well prepared for this week.’’

Gotch expects the Tigers to bring as much heat as possible after the loss to the Magpies but his side had to concentrate on its own processes.

“I’ve done the normal assessment for their players and their strengths - you don’t go on one week,’’ Gotch said.

The Panthers are a chance to take an unchanged line-up into the game while the Tigers have made a raft of changes.