AFL round 19 teams: Adelaide open to playing four tall forwards against Essendon

The Adelaide Crows have dodged the question over whether they can play four talls, resting talisman Taylor Walker for their clash with Essendon. See the full SA teams news.

ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA – JULY 13: Riley Thilthorpe of the Crows gets his 2nd goal celebrating with Taylor Walker and Brayden Cook during the 2024 AFL Round 18 match between the Adelaide Crows and the St Kilda Saints at Adelaide Oval on July 13, 2024 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Sarah Reed/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Adelaide has rested talisman Taylor Walker for its Friday night clash against Essendon.

While senior coach Matthew Nicks said earlier on Thursday that the Crows could play with four talls, amid debate about whether his side could have so many key forwards, Adelaide has decided to manage Walker after two six-day breaks.

Defender Mitch Hinge comes into the side, with Crows head of footy Adam Kelly saying the decision to rest Walker would “freshen him for the remaining five games of the season”.

“This game was one that we had identified early as a possible rest in Tex’s season management,” Kelly said.

“While you continue to update your thinking based on all the circumstances as they present, there has been nothing to alter our thinking regarding this being the most prudent decision to allow Tex to finish the year strongly.

“This also presents the opportunity for (Riley) Thilthorpe to return to the starting 22 after a pleasing return to AFL level as the substitute last week.”

Young trio Billy Dowling, Zac Taylor and Hugh Bond keep their places after impressive showings against St Kilda last week.

Top draftee Dan Curtin is closing on a return to the senior side and could be used as a midfielder after several eye-catching SANFL displays.

The No.8 draftee had 22 disposals, four marks, seven tackles and recorded 123 ranking points in Adelaide’s SANFL loss to Norwood.

But he will have to wait for his return after being named as an emergency.

Taylor Walker said this week it was unlikely four talls would play in the same Crows side. Picture: Mark Brake/Getty Images

The Crows have struggled against Essendon at Marvel Stadium in recent years.

Nicks said it was something they were desperate to address, especially on the big stage of a Friday night clash.

“The last couple of games against Essendon we have got a few things wrong,” he said.

“Especially last year at Marvel, so we are comparing a lot this year to last year’s game.

“They put us to the sword last time, we did come back in the second half though.

Riley Thilthorpe made an impressive return as sub.

“We were a little passive the last time we played Marvel.

“It is an interesting ground to play at, the ball can move really fast there under the roof.

“But realistically it all comes down to contest so we have really focused on that.

“Maybe in the past we have lost our way in what is important when you play at Marvel Stadium. Our intent is to come out and really bring the contest and take it up to Essendon.

“Because if you don’t... they will move it from one end to the other really quickly.”

Nicks said the Crows would put attention into Essendon captain Zach Merrett from the off, but it might not be a hard tag to begin with.

Originally published as AFL round 19 teams: Adelaide open to playing four tall forwards against Essendon