Adelaide have confirmed up to six players to play in their opening round clash against Fremantle at Adelaide Oval on Sunday afternoon, including three debutants for the club.
Jordan Dawson will run out for the first time in Crows colours since coming across from the Sydney Swans at the end of last season, whilst draftees Josh Rachele and Jake Soligo will play their first games in the AFL following impressive pre-seasons.
Head coach Matthew Nicks also confirmed that 2017 club champion Matt Crouch will return to the lineup for the first time since 2020 due to injury, whilst Wayne Milera and Mitch Hinge will all also play on the weekend.
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Dawson didn't line up in any of the Crows' practice games due to a calf complaint, but has overcome the injury to be right for round one.
Rachele was taken at Pick 6 whilst Soligo was taken at pick 36 in last year's AFL draft and have both caught the eye of Nicks.
Rachele looked likely in the Crows' AAMI Community Series game against Port Adelaide, kicking three goals to go along 12 disposals and nine tackles, whilst Soligo impressed kicking a major to go along with nine disposals and three tackles.
Three new faces to see this Sunday ๐ช
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— Adelaide Crows (@Adelaide_FC) March 16, 2022
Whilst Rachele will lock down a small forward spot, Soligo may get some opportunities in the midfield given the hand injury to star midfielder Rory Laird who is set to miss the first month of the season at least.
The Crows will take to the field at 4:10 AEDT at Adelaide Oval as they open their campaign against the Fremantle Dockers.