Crows make late change after injury
Adelaide’s cursed injury run has claimed Cam Ellis-Yolmen for their must-win AFL match against West Coast.
Cam Ellis-Yolmen's expected return to action has been delayed by injury. Photo: AAP/David Mariuz
Ellis-Yolmen was among six inclusions for Saturday’s Adelaide Oval clash.
But the Crows ruled the midfielder today, saying he has a minor quad injury.
Myles Poholke now will stay in the side after originally being dropped for the Eagles match.
There is mixed injury news among Adelaide’s changes.
Vice-captain Rory Sloane has recovered from his foot injury will play for the first time since round four.
All-Australian Rory Laird (hand) is back and fellow defender Luke Brown (ankle) is also a solid inclusion.
But apart from Ellis-Yolmen’s setback, forward Tom Lynch was also ruled out, despite recovering from the side strain that had sidelined him since round 11.
Coach Don Pyke said Lynch suffered concussion after a head knock at training.
Lynch had given Adelaide some badly-needed good news on Sunday when he re-signed for three years.
Last year’s grand finalists are mired in a four-game losing streak and the injuries have been a key factor in their misfiring season.
“Unfortunately in the last two minutes of our match sim, (Lynch) just got an innocuous head knock,” Pyke told the club website.
“From there he reported having some headache symptoms. (We) looked at him and decided it looks like he’s got some mild concussion there so he’s been ruled out with that.”
The Crows also had to leave out Eddie Betts (hamstring), Andy Otten (Achilles) and Sam Gibson (hamstring).
Patrick Wilson and Rory Atkins were dropped, while Curtly Hampton and Darcy Fogarty round out the inclusions.
The Eagles are coming off two losses and have their own injury woes.
Mark LeCras is out because of wrist surgery, while fellow forwards Josh Kennedy and Jack Darling are also injured.
Meanwhile, Melbourne have confirmed Harrison Petty’s AFL debut and Irishman Darragh Joyce may do the same for St Kilda on Sunday at the MCG.
Three other players will play their first senior games this weekend, with Brayden Sier named for Collingwood in Saturday’s away clash against Gold Coast.
Geelong have picked Quinton Narkle, and Brad Lynch will debut for the Western Bulldogs in Friday night’s Etihad Stadium match.
It is also a big weekend for former Melbourne captain Jack Trengove, who plays his first game for Port Adelaide on Saturday when they take on Carlton at the MCG.
Sunday teams will be confirmed late on Friday afternoon.
– with AAP
