Adelaide’ backbone band is back together as Crows take on Port Adelaide in JLT Series at Port Pirie

Adelaide will possibly field its strongest side since it won the minor premiership in 2017 when it faces Port Adelaide in its JLT Series opener in Port Pirie on Saturday.

Number 9 draft pick Chayce Jones of the Crows. Picture: AAP Image/Daniel Pockett

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Scott Camporeale likes what sees, noting the ‘backbone’ of Adelaide’s 2017 minor premiership will re-unite in Saturday’s JLT Cup opener against Port Adelaide in Port Pirie.

Rory Sloane, Matt Crouch and Brad Crouch will steer Adelaide’s engine room for the first time since the 2017 grand final loss to Richmond.

The remaining five of Adelaide’s potent 2017 forward line Eddie Betts, Tom Lynch, Josh Jenkins, Taylor Walker and Riley Knight will front after being thwarted by collective injuries last year.

Asked if Adelaide will field its strongest side in 18 months, Camporeale said: “Yeah, possibly. We didn’t have Smithy for most of the year, Brad Crouch, Sloane was missing games, Matt Crouch missed some games so absolutely those guys in 2017 were the backbone of our season. It is nice to have those guys back.”

Brad Crouch of the Crows marks in front of Power draftee Connor Rozee in last weekend’s under 23 trial at Thebarton Oval. Picture: AAP/Mark Brake

“It is exciting for us as a coaching group, a footy club and supporters to see those guys back playing together.”

Adelaide lacked team continuity last season which was reflected across 10 losses. Adelaide slipped from No.1 to No.14 for scoring from defensive half chains.

Precise ball movement and priceless telepathy will return with Adelaide’s hardened core back at the coalface. Rory Laird and Brodie Smith - ranked No.4 and No.5 general defenders by Champion Data - will resume as high half-back that rivals fear.

“Most of the team that plays has played a lot of footy together so we expect a bit better synergy with some of the stuff we have been working on,” Camporeale said.

Camporeale noted Adelaide had 43 of 45 on the track at Thursday’s main session which created healthy competition from the outset this campaign.

“From a coaching point of view it was hard to pick 26 players as there were arguably 31, 32 guys that legitimately deserve an opportunity. It puts pressure on the guys that play to perform,” said Camporeale.

First-round draft pick Chayce Jones, 19, will be unleashed having impressed Don Pyke’s staff with ‘flexibility’ inside four months at West Lakes.

“He has done some really good things since he has been here so we are really pleased with how he has progressed,” said Camporeale.

“He can play a bit of midfield, wing and forward. Unfortunately some have to miss but he deserves his opportunity.”

Port rookie Xavier Duursma competes with Crows draftee Chayce Jones in the under-23 trial last weekend. Both will play in Port Pirie. Picture: AAP/Mark Brake

Brilliant Bryce Gibbs (shoulder) and David Mackay (AC joint) will be managed this week but feature in Adelaide’s second JLT clash against GWS next Friday in Canberra. Hugh Greenwood (abdominal strain), key defender Daniel Talia (knee) and Luke Brown (ankle) must prove fitness to be considered in the capital.

The centre bounce takes on greater significance following rule changes to be introduced this season. Stoppage errors will hurt double this year given space will be harder to defend on the break. Adelaide will deploy Sam Jacobs and Reilly O’Brien in a testing hit out against Paddy Ryder and Scott Lycett.

“Centre bounce wise there is more space, harder for teams to shut that down whether you win or lose that stoppage, that has been the biggest shift,” said Camporeale