Adelaide coach backs young defenders as injuries mount at the Crows

The Adelaide Crows have to keep winning to make the AFL finals but their star defenders keep getting injured.

Matthew Nicks is set to unleash the hounds against Gold Coast backing the hunger of his inexperienced defenders to overcome Adelaide’s mounting casualty list in their back half.

Jordon Butts became the latest tall defender to suffer a long-term injury when he hobbled out of the Showdown win against Port Adelaide with a season-ending foot injury.

Butts, who will miss three months after undergoing surgery to fuse a broken bone in his foot, joined fellow talls Tom Doedee and Nick Murray, who have both undergone knee reconstructions, on the sidelines.

Tall defender James Borlase will make his debut in his third season at the club, joining Mark Keane, who made his club debut last week, and Luke Nankervis, who will play just his third AFL game, in an inexperienced back six.

“We‘ve played a really stable group throughout the year and now we’re getting the benefit of some guys coming from the SANFL who are a little fresher and are coming in hungry … the hungry dogs,” Nicks said.

“That‘s what we’re seeing at the moment … we’ve got a few guys ready to go.

“I‘ve got no doubt that (James) will give it everything he’s got and if it’s anything like Keaney then we’ll take that.

Debut locked in for Saturday 😍🙌

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— Adelaide Crows (@Adelaide_FC) August 1, 2023

“He‘s been waiting a long time … I’m respectful for everyone in the SANFL but he’d be one of the best key backs in the game at that level.

“He gets his job done week in, week out.

“He‘s been constantly coming into my office and letting me know that he’s ready … I love that about him.

“We‘ve had some really heated discussions about it … ’Don’t chase the butterfly, it will land on you at some point’ and that’s what’s happened now.

“He‘s done his time and he’s ready.”

Luke Pedlar won‘t play against the Suns at Adelaide Oval on Saturday, the exciting forward given a spell to freshen up after his form tapered.

Pedlar‘s absence leaves the door open for Josh Rachele to reclaim his spot after serving a two-week suspension for striking.

“He‘s really running on top of the ground and looks like he’s back to where he’s played some of his best footy previously,” Nicks said of Rachele.

“So, he‘s putting his hand up, definitely.”

Josh Rachele will return for the Crows. (Photo by Mark Brake/Getty Images)

Veteran onballer Matt Crouch‘s career revival will continue after the 28-year-old starred with 12 clearances in the surprise 47-point win against the Power that reinvigorated the Crows’ bid to play finals.

The starring role by Crouch in just his second AFL match this season helped dispel the notion that he can‘t play in the same midfield as fellow stoppage beast Rory Laird.

“I think the opportunity just hasn‘t shown itself this year for him,” Nicks said of Crouch’s absence at AFL level.

“He‘s been playing strong footy at SANFL level … our squad mentality – Matt’s been a big part of that.

“There have obviously been conversations around Laird and Crouch in the same midfield … Matty has worked a lot over the past couple of years on his game and adding to his weapon, which is inside around stoppage.

“He‘s showing that and other parts to his game at the moment, which has been really pleasing because it’s allowed us to play a slightly different midfield mix to what we have throughout the year.

“But it‘s really pleasing to see a player get reward for patience, for having a team-first mentality, that’s what Matty’s done this year and you get what you deserve.

“Good things happen to good people.

“He‘s now got his opportunity and he’s taken it with both hands.”