Reeling Adelaide poised to call on strong-bodied midfielder Hugh Greenwood for Gold Coast clash

Adelaide is almost certain to recall big-bodied midfielder Hugh Greenwood for Sunday’s clash against Gold Coast at Adelaide Oval after he starred in his third SANFL game of the season.

Bryce Gibbs leads Eagle Jordan Foote to the ball in the SANFL clash at Woodville Oval. Picture: TOM HUNTLEY.

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Adelaide is almost certain to recall strong-bodied midfielder Hugh Greenwood for Sunday’s clash against Gold Coast at Adelaide Oval.

The Crows, who badly missed some inside toughness and grunt as they sunk to a third loss from four games against North Melbourne on Saturday, have taken a ‘softly, softly’ approach with Greenwood after a pre-season interrupted by an abdominal problem.

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But Greenwood was outstanding in his third SANFL game of the year, against Woodville-West Torrens at Woodville on Saturday, finishing with 33 disposals, two goals, 10 clearances and five tackles, and can no longer be ignored.

Adelaide's Hugh Greenwood tackles Eagles' James Boyd in the SANFL on Saturday. Picture: Tom Huntley

Shockingly dumped 2006 No. 1 draft pick Bryce Gibbs also performed well in his first SANFL game for 13 years.

The 256-game AFL midfielder had 28 disposals, six clearances and six tackles.

Crows assistant coach Michael Godden described Gibbs' dropping to the SANFL as a “really significant decision’’ that the club had not taken lightly.

“It wasn’t nice but he had struggled for form a little bit,’’ Godden said.

“It’s a tough situation for any player (to be dropped), especially a player of his calibre, but he's been nothing but positive and showing the true maturity that we expect from him.’’

Fellow onballer Patrick Wilson also pushed his case for an AFL call-up in the Crows’ upset 23-point SANFL win against the Eagles, with 42 possessions and 10 inside 50s.

Bryce Gibbs leads Eagle attempts a grab in the SANFL clash at Woodville Oval. Picture: TOM HUNTLEY

The club’s first-round draft pick in 2017, key forward Darcy Fogarty, also played well in his continuing trial in the back lines as the club tries to find another intercept defender following the season-ending loss of last year’s AFL Rising Star runner-up, Tom Doedee (knee).

Former Richmond small forward Tyson Stengle also is close to promotion.

“There are a number of guys who’ve played some good footy and we just need to have a look at what the best mix and balance is for the team,” Adelaide coach Don Pyke said of the club’s selection options.

“The reality is we didn’t have a great deal of winners on the night (against the Roos) and we’re not going to make massive, wholesale changes on the basis of that.

“We need to look at the reason why we’ve got guys who we know are capable of performing better than they are, but aren’t.

“That starts with me and conversations with them, but we need to get them into a headspace where they’re capable of playing the footy they can play.”

Adelaide's Chayce Jones cops a heavy knock in the first term against North Melbourne. Picture: Michael Klein

The Crows are hopeful lead ruckman Sam Jacobs will return from missing two games with a knee injury.

Exciting first-year player Chayce Jones is in some doubt after being concussed against North.

Star small forward Eddie Betts will play his 300th game against the Suns and teammate David Mackay said the milestone should provide the team with more spark.

“It’s a great milestone for Ed and we are super proud of him,’’ Mackay said.

“Obviously it’s a big week for him, his family and the footy club and we need to get the win.’’