The Adelaide Crows will get the first official look at the AFL’s reigning premiers in Brisbane this evening, as the two clubs prepare for their sole pre-season hit out in Ipswich.
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But unfortunately early in the second term, premiership star Brandon Starcevich found himself walking from the field dazed after a “double cannon” incident that saw him pinball between two Crows players before falling to the ground.
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“It was the initial contact from Daniel Curtin, which pushes (Pedlar) into (Starcevich),” Hawthorn great Dermott Brereton said.
“I don’t think there’s intended malice in it, but … it is dangerous, you cannot take away from the fact that players do get injured from it. It’s the one time one of the few times you are completely and utterly imbalanced and vulnerable.”
“There’s been a little bit of talk over the pre-season about pushing players into packs. There was the Ginbey incident in a trial game a couple of weeks ago. (It) is dangerous,” St Kilda champion Leigh Montagna added.
Montagna’s Ginbey reference is a comparison to a collision with Richmond young gun Sam Lalor, who suffered a fractured jaw during match simulation last week over in Perth. It came after the West Coast defender similarly pushed him away in a contest, and left Lalor vulnerable to one of Ginbey’s teammates.
Brisbane’s Opening Round clash with Geelong is only seven days away, meaning Starcevich would be ineligible to play if he were placed in the league’s 12-day concussion protocols.
With the Lions now just one week away from the competition’s home-and-away season opener against Geelong, coach Chris Fagan is fine-tuning his starting 23 as best as he can before they begin their flag defence.
Their opponents the Crows will have an extra week’s rest before their first match for premiership points in 2025, but Matthew Nicks will still be just as eager to land on a winning formula as he searches for a maiden finals appearance as his club’s head coach.
His side will welcome back superstar Izak Rankine returns after Indigenous All-Star duties just under a fortnight ago, while also unveiling GWS recruit Isaac Cumming for his first game in the tri-colours.
Max Michalanney (thumb) and Josh Rachele (corked thigh) will miss the final practice match, as will defender Wayne Milera. The club have listed his absence down as a quad injury.
The home side will welcome back forward Lincoln McCarthy for the first time since doing his ACL in Round 8 last season, with his 298-day end to join his teammates set to end. Premiership duo Brandon Starcevich and Eric Hipwood, who did not play in the three-club match simulation on the Gold Coast last Thursday, will also join the 26-man team for the match.
Over in Ipswich for the later Thursday clash, Brisbane will welcome back forward Lincoln McCarthy for the first time since doing his ACL in Round 8 last season. Joining him in their first hit out for 2025 will be premiership duo Brandon Starcevich and Eric Hipwood, who did not play in the three-club match simulation on the Gold Coast last Thursday.
Flag hero Callum Ah Chee will miss the game after experiencing calf tightness last week against Collingwood and the Gold Coast.
The first bounce hit the grass at Brighton Homes Arena at 7:10pm local time (8:10pm AEDT).
Brisbane’s 26-man side
B: B.Starcevich, J.Payne, R.Lester
HB: D.Zorko, H.Andrews, D.Wilmot
C: J.Fletcher, H.McCluggage, J.Berry
HF: C.Cameron, E.Hipwood, C.Rayner
F: K.Lohmann, T.Gallop, L.Morris
Foll: O.McInerney, J.Dunkley, L.Neale
I/C: W.Ashcroft, L.Ashcroft, L.McCarthy, S.Day, H.Smith, C.McKenna, Z.Bailey, N.Answerth
Emerg: D.Robertson, W.McLachlan, J.Tunstill, D.Joyce
Adelaide’s 26-man side
B: J.Worrell, M.Keane, H.Bond
HB: M.Hinge, N.Murray, R.Laird
C: I.Cumming, J.Dawson, L.Sholl
HF: B.Keays, R.Thilthorpe, A.Neal-Bullen
F: J.Peatling, D.Fogarty, T.Walker
Foll: R.O’Brien I.Rankine, J.Soligo
I/C: D.Curtin, L.Nankervis, M.Crouch, L.Pedlar, T.Murray, S.Draper, L.Murphy, C.Jones
Emerg: B.Dowling, S.Berry, J.Borlase, O.Ryan
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