Injury Lists Adelaide V St Kilda (test of list depth)

[Kildonan]

Strength in depth
MICHELANGELO RUCCI
Adelaide Advertiser
13jun06

ADELAIDE'S proof of genuine progress in developing its squad is now in its injury list. The Crows at the halfway mark of the AFL season are facing the prospect of using their 30th player; they used 32 in total all of last season.

But neither performance nor potential has been diminished by having limited options at selection.
Adelaide would seem vulnerable this week - it plays St Kilda at Telstra Dome on Friday night - as captain Mark Ricciuto (groin) and key forward Ken McGregor (ankle) cannot be tested until training on Thursday.

The Adelaide injury list is now at 13 - its longest this season.

"We're being tested no more than any other team," insisted Adelaide assistant coach David Noble yesterday. "But we have great confidence in whoever comes into this side."

Adelaide gained significant belief in the depth of its squad on April 29 when it faced the Western Bulldogs without key players such as Ricciuto, Brett Burton, Scott Thompson and Ian Perrie.

Regardless, Adelaide won by 77 points, giving the Crows - according to Noble - "great confidence" in the ability of their young players such as Brent Reilly and Martin Mattner to maintain on-field standards.

"The 'backbone' group (of younger players) continue to push their case - and they will have to keep stepping up as the opportunities arise," adds Noble.

Ricciuto's latest injury - pain to the left side of his groin - will again hold up his return to midfield duties as his training times are cut back. But the Crows are reluctant to "rest" the Brownlow Medallist.

"Resting is a dirty word to Mark," said Noble. "He is a competitive-natured beast who wants to play in every game. But at the same time we will not take any unnecessary risks with him."

Due for a return to the Adelaide line-up this week is the seasoned Jason Torney who has gained match fitness in the SANFL after recovering from back injuries.

The Crows have nominated Torney for a midfield or defensive role. "A luxury for us," said Noble of Torney's impending return against a growing injury list.

Adelaide will be forced away from West Lakes today - there is a function at AAMI Stadium - to train at Adelaide Oval at 5pm. Training will be completed at West Lakes at 10am Thursday with the Crows leaving for Melbourne on Friday morning.

Adelaide
Mark Ricciuto (groin) test
Ken McGregor (ankle) test
Jason Porplyzia (knee) test
Luke Jericho (shoulder) 1 week
Scott Welsh (quadricep) 1 week
Matthew Clarke (Achilles/ankle) 1 week
Ian Perrie (knee) 4 weeks
Richard Douglas (knee) 4 weeks
Nathan Bock (back) 4 weeks
Darren Pfeiffer (back) 4 weeks
Ben Hart (broken arm) 5 weeks
Nathan van Berlo (collarbone) 8 weeks
Ben Hudson (knee) TBC


St Kilda
Clarke R, left quad, test.
Clarke X, left hip, test.
Gwilt J, left superior tib/fibsprain, test.
McDonnell E, fractured thumb, test.
Hamill A, right PCL sprain, 3 weeks.
Thompson A, fractured transverse process, 3 weeks.
Koschitzke J, base of skull fracture, indefinite.
Watts F, fractured L ankle, indefinite.
Hayes L, ACL reconstruction, season.

 

[Glenno23]

A lot of big outs for both teams, should be a good game!

go you Crows!

out of those players listed, who would be a certain starter in your best 22??

 

[bluejay]

out of those players listed, who would be a certain starter in your best 22??

Hayes, Kozi, Thompson, Hamill and X (thats makes 5!) would be certain starters, with Raphael Clarke and Watts prolly in the bench.

What about the ones in your list?

 

[ant]

Of those that definitely won't play this Friday, Scott Welsh, Ian Perrie, Nathan Bock, Ben Hart, Nathan Van Berlo and Ben Hudson would be certain starters in our best 22, with Matthew Clarke on the fringe.

Then of course Ricciuto and McGregor are also there, but they're still a chance for this week's match.

I think we only had about 21 players on the training track yesterday.

Saints definitely have bigger names on their list, but that could be evened up if Roo and/or Kenny don't come up.

 

[Bourky23]

I'm strongly considering going this friday night, should be a cracker pity about all the injuries

 

[Glenno23]

I'm strongly considering going this friday night, should be a cracker pity about all the injuries

i think it will still be great this weekend, even though the injuries are bad....

last year was great, you got the jump on us, then we came back and went on to win 10 straight games after that match.

will be very close either way...and will show which club has more/better depth.....

 

[Kid A]

Should be a great game. Would love to see how sides like Sydney or Collingwood would fare with injury lists that long (and crucial).

 

[Kildonan]

Hayes, Kozi, Thompson, Hamill and X (thats makes 5!) would be certain starters, with Raphael Clarke and Watts prolly in the bench.

What about the ones in your list?

Of those that definitely won't play this Friday, Scott Welsh, Ian Perrie, Nathan Bock, Ben Hart, Nathan Van Berlo and Ben Hudson would be certain starters in our best 22, with Matthew Clarke on the fringe.

Then of course Ricciuto and McGregor are also there, but they're still a chance for this week's match.

I think we only had about 21 players on the training track yesterday.

Saints definitely have bigger names on their list, but that could be evened up if Roo and/or Kenny don't come up.

It's great that we can say who's missing and compare outs but I don't want this thread to degenerate into a "our injury list is worse than yours" thread.

There are plenty of clubs that are worse off (due to injury) than either of ours - both our clubs have the depth to cover for injuries and we acknowledge that the other team is adversely affected as well.

Brisbane have been cruelled by injury - they may yet be a force this year if they can hold it together while a few of their stars return. The Bulldogs have suffered more than many and are still quite competitive. Essendon seem to have been most traumatised by injury. I feel that with the improvement shown by many of their kids, that had they a full list they would be doing OK now and Sheedy would be being hailed as a genius. Even Port have a claim to the injury excuse.

The Saints admittedly were demoralised after losing Lenny Hayes. He has been in career best form and has been our best player this season. There was a mental barrier that needed to be overcome. The Saints v Melbourne match was a learning experience. With some self-belief after half time, the Saints showed themselves that they were able to play good exciting attacking football without Lenny. They fell short but that was mainly due to the lead we allowed Melbourne early in the match. The Sydney match was more than a learning experience - it was a backs to the wall, must win affair. Dour, determined, hard at the ball, and hard at the man with the ball. The Saints now know they can win these hard matches.

The emotion shown by the Saints players was nothing short of inspiring. There is a real belief that we are capable, even (dare I say) likely to beat Adelaide on Friday night. If you were to have said that just 10 days ago, few Sainters would have given you any credibilty. The belief is back.

It is fortunate that we are meeting an injury depleted Adelaide, because this aids the belief. "They are no better off than we are" are thoughts that help our cause. Thomas has these players motivated to their best. We are playing at home (the 6th time this season) and we do have a great record here.

While last week the Saints had the extra motivation of revenge on Sydney for knocking us out of the finals race, Adelaide have a similar motive for revenge. We ruined their fairytale season end by beating them on their own turf. There will be a few Adelaide players who will be keen to express how they felt about that.

This will not be a walk in the park for either team.
It may very well be the match of the season, who knows?