Adelaide assistant coach Michael Godden confirms Bryce Gibbs not in best 22 entering Giants clash

Michael Godden says the decision to leave Bryce Gibbs out for the third time this year was the ‘toughest selection’ since joining Don Pyke’s team, but the Crows are confident they have the right mix to tackle the Giants.

Adelaide’s Bryce Gibbs celebrates winning the round 11 AFL match against Melbourne at TIO Stadium. Picture: Scott Barbour/Getty Images.

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Adelaide is prepared to roll the dice on Rory Sloane but concedes Bryce Gibbs is not in its best 22 entering its ‘biggest’ game of the season against GWS on Saturday night.

Crows assistant coach Michael Godden was left to console axed veteran Gibbs who arrived early and was last to leave the club’s closed training at Adelaide Oval on Friday morning.

Asked if Gibbs was in Adelaide’s best 22, Godden said: “There are ebbs and flows on form so for this weekend, no.”

Adelaide Crows training at Adelaide Oval. Bryce Gibbs with Sam Jacobs walking past. Picture SARAH REED

The return of Matt Crouch meant another inside midfielder — Gibbs — was squeezed out in what Godden rated “the toughest selection” since joining Don Pyke’s coaching staff.

“Bryce came in for Matt last week, did a really good job for us and done everything right during the week,” said Gooden.

“It was the toughest selection since I have been involved at the club. It is not just about the name of the player but the balance overrides that as well.”

Gibbs was hit hard at his third demotion this season having quelled brilliant Melbourne on-baller Clayton Oliver in Adelaide’s two point win against Melbourne last Saturday night in Darwin.

Adelaide’s Bryce Gibbs celebrates winning the round 11 AFL match against Melbourne at TIO Stadium. Picture: Scott Barbour/Getty Images.

Josh Kelly and Stephen Coniglio will be spared a tagging role from Gibbs but Godden insists eighth-placed Adelaide has a plan to combat the third-ranked Giants’ fleet of runners.

“Most definitely, it was a very long match committee over a couple of nights, we covered off on every scenario. There are a lot of very good (GWS) players,” said Godden.

Sloane hurt his hamstring in Darwin but passed a fitness test on Friday morning at Adelaide Oval. Adelaide will examine its co-captain again on Saturday morning but Godden says he can handle a short turnaround before next Thursday night’s game against Richmond.

“He did his fitness test and was cleared. We will have to see how he pulls up in the morning but there is no reason he won’t play,” said Godden of Sloane.

“If he is declared fit for Saturday night there is no reason he can’t turn around and play against Richmond. He did everything at full speed. The last tick of the box will be tomorrow morning.”

Matt Crouch is back in the Crows line-up to take on GWS. Picture SARAH REED

Rory Sloane during his fitness test on Thursday. Picture SARAH REED

Contested possession king Hugh Greenwood made way for returning Richard Douglas with Adelaide requiring more speed and mobility around half forward to combat the Giants lightning rebound.

“Very unlucky but you can’t play too many blokes like that as an inside mid,” said Godden of Greenwood.

Ruckman Reilly O’Brien deserved to be retained ahead of Sam Jacobs said Godden after a solid display against Demons big man Max Gawn

“He (Jacobs) played really well in the SANFL and kicked a few goals but needs another run we felt. Reilly did a good job against Max,” explained Gooden.