The small forwards are lining up for Tyson Stengle’s spot but there’s a smoky down back making everyone take notice

Adelaide’s small forwards are lining up for Tyson Stengle’s Showdown spot after match-simulation at training, but a smoky down back who Brodie Smith says is arguably the best kick he’s seen, is also making a case for his AFL debut.

29/11/18 - Adelaide Crows training at Football Park during the demolition of the grandstands. Picture SIMON CROSS - Taylor Walker, Will Hamill, Chayce Jones and Lachlan Sholl

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Adelaide’s small forwards are lining up for Tyson Stengle’s spot in next week’s Showdown but it’s a smoky down back who Brodie Smith says is arguably the best kick on both sides of his body who is also making a run for his debut.

Defender Lachlan Sholl was drafted at Pick No.64 in 2018 and was one of only two who played every game in the SANFL last year.

He returned from the coronavirus break in outstanding condition and made Smith sit up and take notice in their match simulation training last week.

“Lachy Sholl hit some of the greatest right foot, left foot kicks I’ve ever seen,” Smith told The Lowdown Podcast.

Sholl in action in the SANFL last year. Picture: Emma Brasier (AAP).

“He’s come back in great nick and his skill by foot is something I’ve never seen really, he’s one of the best kicks I’ve seen and his confidence is really high so hopefully he can push to play some games early on.

“Hopefully he’s really close, he’s one of those guys who loves to learn and get better, he’s always got a footy and throughout the break he was messaging the coach and some of the leaders as well wanting to know more about structures and making sure he had everything down pat.

“He’s one of those kids you just love helping because he wants to get better, he put a lot of good performances on the board last year and he has a very high skill level so something that will definitely fit nicely into our side, whether it’s half-back or across a wing hopefully he can come into our side early.

Sholl, 20, was drafted from the Calder Cannons and comes from good football stock with his father Brett playing 35 games for Carlton between 1992-1994 and his uncles Craig and Brad playing over 400 games combined at North Melbourne and Geelong.

He averaged 19 disposals as a defender in the SANFL last year and had a strong finish including a stellar performance in Adelaide’s semi-final win over Norwood.

While the Round 2 Showdown might be a stretch for him to debut, Smith said the likes of Shane McAdam, Ben Crocker and Ben Keays were pushing hard to replace Tyson Stengle who has been banned for four games after a drink-driving incident in April.

“We moved match sim to Friday and had about 45-50 minutes and it was good to have some edits to look at over the weekend and get back into that groove of stoppage set-ups and how we can do them better,” Smith said.

“In terms of standouts, Benny Keays was in my group last week and he’s come back in really good nick and played some really good footy in our match sim and Benny Crocker was very good.

“That small forward spot there are a few guys putting their hand up, Shane McAdam kicked a couple of nice goals in match sim as well, they know that spot is up for grabs and they’re all going for it.

Ben Keays during a break in training last week. Picture: Sarah Reed.

“And Ned (McHenry) is another one, who unfortunately he’s had a few body issues with his back and things but he’s out on the track doing match sim and he’s a very aggressive kid, he likes to get stuck into blokes and the umpires.

“Heath Younie our development coach was the umpire on the weekend and he copped a couple of sprays from Neddy so he’s very competitive and raring to go, it’s great to see.”

Smith said Stengle’s attitude and workrate at training had been strong since players returned to the club.

“He was in match sim and he and Shane played really well in that forward role, it was a bit frustrating seeing how well he played and knowing that we’re going to miss him for the first few weeks,” he said.

“He’s attitude has been good and he’s working hard, and it’s obviously pretty tough for him he’s going up to the hub and knowing he’s just going up to train but we’re happy that he’s out there training and working hard and he’ll be right to go once that suspension is up.”

Star defender Tom Doedee is set to come back for the June 13 Showdown which might be at the expense of Round 1 debutant Fischer McAsey who didn’t do much wrong against the Swans and had a big pre-season.

Originally published as The small forwards are lining up for Tyson Stengle’s spot but there’s a smoky down back making everyone take notice