Crows coach lauds depth ahead of crunch Magpies clash
Steve Larkin |
Adelaide coach Matthew Nicks is hailing the depth of his squad after making three changes for Thursday night’s bumper clash against Collingwood.
Nicks has lost key players at either end, with forward Darcy Fogarty suspended and defender Mark Keane unavailable because of illness.
Winger Brayden Cook has also been rested for the Adelaide Oval encounter, with Taylor Walker, Nick Murray and Finbar Maley summoned.
Walker was rested for last week’s away win against Sydney as part of a grand plan to keep the 36-year-old fresh.
“Tex looks great, he’s been up and about all week,” Nicks said.
“I guess the hope with that in the planning is that the longer break for him keeps him fresh.
“He’s put some energy throughout this week, and the guys are on a shorter break – so to our opposition, so there’s nothing in that.
“But to have a player like Tex come in with his leadership and bring that enthusiasm rather than grinding it week to week, he looks fantastic.”
Murray will take Keane’s defensive post in what Nicks said was a “straightforward” decision.
“Muzz has been in really strong form in the SANFL, so disappointing for Mark, but it reinforces the strength of squad and how important it is,” Nicks said.
Cook had played every game until now in his breakout season but will sit out as the fifth-placed Crows meet eighth-placed Collingwood.
The Magpies made only one change to their team that downed Carlton last start, with stalwart Jeremy Howe replacing Sam Swadling.
AAP