Josh Rachele during the AFL match between Essendon and Adelaide, Round 4, 2022 (Photo by Cameron Grimes / Zero Digital Media
The Adelaide Crows will welcome back Jordon Butts and Josh Rachele for their Round 14 clash against Gold Coast after respective injury layoffs, with coach Matthew Nicks eager to welcome them back into the fold.
Butts missed the Crows' most recent match after sustaining a concussion in the Round 11 loss to Geelong, the 22-year-old then entered the AFL's Health and Safety protocols during Adelaide's bye week.
Rachele meanwhile has spent the last two matches on the sidelines dealing with a corked thigh.
Nicks said the young duo were fit and ready to make the trip to Queensland to face the Suns.
“It’s good to have Buttsy back in the side, he’s a key pillar behind the ball for us,” Nicks told media on Friday.
“It was a matter of getting him right, making sure he’s ready to go.
“Josh Rachele was one where we’ve been able to freshen him up.
“It’s a pretty big challenge for these young guys to come in first year - especially after what they’ve been through the past few years.
“We felt like he needed some time to freshen himself up. We think it’s a long year and this will be really good for him, so hopefully he comes out firing.”
Adelaide come out of the bye having won just one of their last six matches, eager to find some form against the 11th placed Gold Coast.
The Suns meanwhile have been forced to make a change to their squad, with Malcolm Rosas Jnr forced out due to illness. Darcy Macpherson will replace the 20-year-old on the extended bench.
Gold Coast and Adelaide will confirm their final squad to take on the Suns on Friday evening.