Young ruckman Reilly O’Brien third in Adelaide Crows 2km time trial as he eyes a regular game in 2019
Reilly O’Brien’s bid to put genuine pressure on Sam Jacobs for Adelaide’s ruck spot is off to a promising start after he was third in the club’s 2km time trial on Monday morning.
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Reilly O’Brien’s bid to put genuine pressure on Sam Jacobs for Adelaide’s ruck spot is off to a promising start after he was third in the club’s 2km time trial this morning.
O’Brien, who had his season cut short by shoulder surgery, was showing the benefits of a big off-season when he shadowed Wayne Milera and Jake Kelly in the race against the clock.
He was also in the front running pack when the 1-4 year players returned to pre-season at Mount Barker two weeks ago, going toe-to-toe with Rory Sloane.
The 23-year-old played two AFL games in 2016 and did not feature at the top level in 2017, but the club has put its full faith in him to support if not challenge Jacobs next year given it did not target a ruckman in the trade period.
Jacobs is still Adelaide’s preferred option but at 30 and after 196 games, his body is beginning to show signs of wear and tear.
“Reilly has had a great off-season, put himself in a good frame,” Crows forward Tom Lynch said.
“He’s a super runner and I know when he hurt his shoulder last year and had to have an operation he was really disappointed he couldn’t get some footy in.
“He’s been a man on a mission and it was great to see him run so well and get a bit of reward for all the work he’s put in.
“He’s super-talented, Sauce is a premier ruckman of the competition and has been for a long time and we have great trust in him, but I think everyone is always a bit worried about who could come in and take their spot. But that’s the strength of a good side and what we’re aspiring to be.
“There is pressure on all lines, so it’s time for guys to put their name forward and give themselves their best chance.”
The squad including captain Taylor Walker trained together at Thebarton Oval on Monday, but David Mackay (achilles) and Jordan Gallucci (toe) were missing with injury.
Gallucci’s toe complaint is not considered serious but Mackay has had surgery and will not rejoin full training until after Christmas.
“It’s exciting to be back, the five plus year guys came back today and there is a fair bit of enthusiasm out there,” Lynch said.
“It was pretty solid first up, that’s how it always is at this time of year, pre-season everyone always had a lot of energy.
“They (pre-seasons) don’t get any easier, they’re all different, there are a lot of new faces, new coaches and we have the draft this week so it’s exciting times for the footy club.
“We’re disappointed we weren’t playing finals last year but hopefully we can get a jump start on pre-season and it will hold us in good stead.”
Originally published as Young ruckman Reilly O’Brien third in Adelaide Crows 2km time trial as he eyes a regular game in 2019
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