Adelaide superstar Izak Rankine has been named to face Geelong in the blockbuster Gather Round opener but will be under an injury cloud until just before the bounce.
The mid-forward has held his place despite a calf injury which has caused bleeding but no muscle damage. He has spoken confidently about playing all week but it’s expected the Crows will closely monitor him for a potential late change.
Matt Crouch is primed to take Rankine’s midfield minutes if he goes out of the side, as he returns from a one-week absence, with Zac Taylor named for his first game of the season.
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They replace James Borlase and Lachlan Murphy, both of whom are omitted.
For the Cats, injured defender Jack Henry has been replaced by the returning Mark Blicavs, while Mitch Knevitt regains his place over Ted Clohesy, who is omitted.
Rhys Stanley holds his spot in the ruck with Sam De Koning, who began the season in that role, named at fullback in a much taller back six – as the Cats look to counter the Crows’ big-man trio of Tex Walker, Riley Thilthorpe and Darcy Fogarty.
Meanwhile West Coast has dropped veteran star Tim Kelly, sending him to the WAFL.
It’s a statement move from first-year Andrew McQualter with his Eagles looking arguably worse than feared on route to an 0-4 start.
Kelly’s manager Anthony Van Der Wielen confirmed to multiple outlets the midfielder had been omitted after being one of many senior stars to struggle early this year.
“He’s obviously disappointed about that but understands the decision and knows his form hasn’t been at the level he expects of himself,” Van Der Wielen said.
“He sees this as an opportunity to reset, build confidence, and hopefully push straight back into senior selection.
“Tim’s a proud player and a leader. One of the most driven and self-aware athletes I’ve worked with. He is very confident he can get back to his best form very soon.”
The rest of the teams for Round 5 (Gather Round) will be announced at 6:20pm AEST on Thursday.
ROUND 5 TEAMS AND FIXTURE (All times AEST)
ADELAIDE CROWS v GEELONG
Thursday April 10, 7:40pm at Adelaide Oval
CROWS
B: M.Hinge, J.Worrell, R.Laird
HB: W.Milera, M.Keane, M.Michalanney
C: I.Cumming, J.Dawson – C, L.Sholl
HF: B.Keays, R.Thilthorpe, I.Rankine
F: D.Fogarty, T.Walker, A.Neal-Bullen
FOLL: R.O’Brien, J.Soligo, J.Peatling
I/C: D.Curtin, S.Draper, Z.Taylor, M.Crouch, L.Nankervis
EMG: S.Berry, J.Borlase, L.Pedlar
In: Z.Taylor, M.Crouch
Out: J.Borlase (Omitted), L.Murphy (Omitted)
CATS
B: C.O’Sullivan, S.De Koning, M.Blicavs
HB: L.Humphries, T.Stewart, Z.Guthrie
C: B.Smith, P.Dangerfield – C, O.Dempsey
HF: B.Close, S.Mannagh, G.Miers
F: S.Neale, J.Cameron, T.Stengle
FOLL: R.Stanley, M.Holmes, T.Atkins
I/C: M.Knevitt, O.Henry, J.Bowes, O.Mullin, M.O’Connor
EMG: T.Clohesy, M.Duncan, O.Wiltshire
In: M.Blicavs, M.Knevitt
Out: J.Henry (Injured), T.Clohesy (Omitted)
COLLINGWOOD v SYDNEY SWANS
Friday April 11, 7:40pm at Adelaide Oval
MAGPIES
TBA Thursday evening
SWANS
TBA Thursday evening
NORTH MELBOURNE v GOLD COAST SUNS
Saturday April 12, 12:35pm at Barossa Park
KANGAROOS
TBA Thursday evening
SUNS
TBA Thursday evening
CARLTON v WEST COAST EAGLES
Saturday April 12, 1:20pm at Adelaide Oval
BLUES
TBA Thursday evening
EAGLES
TBA Thursday evening
WESTERN BULLDOGS v BRISBANE LIONS
Saturday April 12, 4:15pm at Norwood Oval
BULLDOGS
TBA Thursday evening
LIONS
TBA Thursday evening
MELBOURNE v ESSENDON
Saturday April 12, 7:35pm at Adelaide Oval
DEMONS
TBA Thursday evening
BOMBERS
TBA Thursday evening
RICHMOND v FREMANTLE
Sunday April 13, 12:35pm at Barossa Park
TIGERS
TBA Thursday evening
DOCKERS
TBA Thursday evening
ST KILDA v GWS GIANTS
Sunday April 13, 3:20pm at Norwood Oval
SAINTS
TBA Thursday evening
GIANTS
TBA Thursday evening
PORT ADELAIDE v HAWTHORN
Sunday April 13, 7:20pm at Adelaide Oval
POWER
TBA Thursday evening
HAWKS
TBA Thursday evening
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