Adelaide’s lineup for tonight’s Showdown clash has seen the return of veteran Brodie Smith, alongside debutant Dan Curtin. Despite a hamstring concern, Connor Rozee has been named, having passed a fitness test on Wednesday.
However, the team will be without Aliir Aliir due to concussion, resulting from an incident that saw Saints forward Jack Higgins suspended. Ryan Burton will step in to fill the defensive gap left by Aliir’s absence. Additionally, Jed McEntee will replace Sam Powell-Pepper, who sustained an ACL injury last weekend.
Adelaide has also welcomed back Jordan Butts from injury, with James Borlase and Will Hamill omitted from the squad, and Luke Pedlar sidelined due to injury.
Coach Ken Hinkley expressed confidence in Rozee’s ability to play in the Showdown, despite his recent hamstring strain, describing the injury as “minor” and the risk of playing as “normal”. Rozee underwent a fitness test on Tuesday and continued training at Alberton on Wednesday, just over 30 hours before the match against the Crows.
Hinkley admitted his surprise at Rozee’s availability, especially considering his limited involvement in the previous week’s game against St Kilda, where he spent time on the bench with ice on his hamstring. However, Rozee and the Power’s medical team assured Hinkley that he was fit to play.
When questioned about his optimism regarding Rozee’s fitness, Hinkley emphasized that the club had conducted all necessary tests and wouldn’t jeopardize Rozee’s health unnecessarily.
