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No alarm and no surprises as Pyke opts for stability

The Crows have returned to their status quo lineup, with Don Pyke ignoring any temptation to spring a finals surprise – but the move will raise eyebrows with the omission of running defender Ricky Henderson, one of Adelaide’s best in their final-round drubbing by West Coast.

Sep 09, 2016, updated Sep 09, 2016
Rory Sloane is, unsurprisingly, a key inclusion for the Crows. Photo: Michael Errey / InDaily

Rory Sloane is, unsurprisingly, a key inclusion for the Crows. Photo: Michael Errey / InDaily

There is no surprise in the fact Rory Sloane returns from his one-match suspension to bolster a midfield that was made to look slow and one-dimensional by the Eagles – who were themselves last night eliminated by the rampaging Western Bulldogs. Nor that rebound king Brodie Smith is back after the contentious bye round gave him time to overcome his third serious concussion in two seasons.

Neither is the omission of fringe midfielder Cam Ellis-Yolmen for Sloane a selection shock.

But while Henderson for Smith is a like-for-like exchange, it appeared Henderson’s form – 25 disposals at 76 per cent efficiency – would be enough to save his place in the starting 22.

It appears to send a message that the team structure – and the game-plan that many pundits now argue has been “figured out” – are non-negotiable.

For their opponent North Melbourne, forward Jarrad Waite and defender Scott Thompson have failed to prove their fitness, meaning the Kangaroos will take an unchanged lineup into tomorrow night’s elimination final at Adelaide Oval.

Waite’s continued absence ensures fellow veteran key forward Drew Petrie, who had only four possessions in round 23, stays in the lineup.

Petrie, Brent Harvey, Michael Firrito and Nick Dal Santo will all leave Arden St when this season ends.

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Nick Dal Santo will be determined to put on a solid display as he seeks a new home in 2017. Photo: Michael Errey / InDaily

Adelaide assistant coach James Podsiadly said the Crows had put “a fair bit of work” into the prospect of curbing returning Roos spearhead Waite, who was the league’s form forward early this season.

But, he conceded on FIVEaa, “I’m kinda happy he’s not playing”.

There had been speculation and agitation in the media this week for an urgent injection of pace, with the return of Riley Knight or Wayne Milera mooted.

Podsiadly said Knight’s strong SANFL form since returning from a long stint sidelined by injury had “definitely pushed his name up” – but ultimately the Crows opted to stick with the stability of the lineup it has fielded for the vast bulk of the season.

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The ruck will be a key duel tomorrow night, with Sam Jacobs – desperate to atone for a poor display against West Coast – taking on competition pacesetter Todd Goldstein. Photo: Michael Errey / InDaily

Meanwhile, Geelong will not risk key defender Lachie Henderson – recovering from knee surgery – for tonight’s grudge match against Hawthorn, while Hawks speedster Billy Hartung has suffered another September blow.

The Cats made one change, recalling run-with midfielder Scott Selwood for Jed Bews.

Selwood’s assignment will be to try to nullify Hawks star Sam Mitchell.

Hawthorn regained key defender Ben Stratton (pectoral muscle) and ruckman Ben McEvoy (back) from injury, with Hartung and Marc Pittonet the omissions.

Hartung kicked two goals in the narrow round 23 win over Collingwood that secured Hawthorn’s double chance, but was unable to hold his spot.

The speedster admitted to feeling devastated when he was dropped for last year’s grand final.

Hartung was also left out of Hawthorn’s 2014 finals campaign.

However, heavy rain is forecast for Melbourne tonight and that could mean a late change or two.

“We’ll pick a side we think can beat Geelong in any conditions and we’ll adjust accordingly both before the game and during the game if we need to, depending on how much rain comes,” Hawks coach Alastair Clarkson said.

“You just cope with whatever’s put in front of you… and the benefit for this group is that they’re experienced.

“They’ve overcome a lot of hurdles over the journey and, whatever’s put in front of them, they usually find a way to get around it.”

Stratton had been out since injuring a pectoral muscle in round 20 and McEvoy missed the Hawks’ dramatic round-23 win over Collingwood with back soreness.

The Cats stormed into second spot on the back of a seven-game winning streak, while the Hawks lost two of their last four matches to slip to third.

Clarkson dismissed the value of form lines heading into a finals campaign, but did concede his side’s knack of taking out close games this year – they won six matches by less than 10 points – could come into play.

Former Crows star Patrick Dangerfield dominated with 43 possessions in the Cats’ round-one win over Hawthorn, and Clarkson played his cards for the hot Brownlow medal favourite close to his chest.

“He’s a great player but… they’ve got enormous depth through the middle of the ground,” he said.

“It’s no secret that it’s going to be a key battle for the contest.

“If we can get enough supply in that part of the ground, then we give ourselves a chance. But in the only game we’ve played this year, they’ve won that battle and it cost us the game.”

There is only one change for the all-Sydney qualifying final tomorrow afternoon at ANZ Stadium.

Two days after winning the Rising Star award, Sydney’s Callum Mills was recalled after a calf injury sidelined him for round 23.

Harry Cunningham is the unlucky Swan to make way.

-with AAP

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