Lachlan Mcandrew Poised for Debut as Crows Ponder Ruck Change for Round One
Adelaide has named lachlan mcandrew in a 23-man squad for its Round One match against Collingwood, a selection that crystallises the club’s internal debate over its ruck approach ahead of the season opener.
What Happens When Lachlan Mcandrew Takes the Ruck?
Former Sydney ruck Lachlan Mcandrew is favoured to win a club debut ahead of Reilly O’Brien after being given first crack at leading the line through the pre-season. Adelaide coach Matthew Nicks noted that McAndrew’s profile places him in a strong position from centre bounces. McAndrew previously played two games for Sydney in 2023 and has been trialled in the primary ruck role in pre-season work.
What If the Ruck Change Favors Reilly O’Brien?
Reilly O’Brien remains a live option despite a significant rule adjustment that disadvantaged his traditional grappling style at centre bounces. Matthew Nicks, Adelaide coach, acknowledged the rule shift has been a challenge for O’Brien while also noting the player has worked on a different craft and made visible progress. Nicks warned not to write O’Brien off, describing the transformation to a run-and-jump approach as something undertaken in a short period.
What Happens with Team Selection and the Debutants?
Adelaide has named three players to make their first AFL appearance: Toby Murray, Callum Ah Chee and Lachlan McAndrew. The selection list also shows a group returning from minor pre-season setbacks: Isaac Cumming and James Peatling have recovered from low-grade hamstring issues and were included in the squad, while Jake Soligo was named after a managed training workload prompted by an irregular heartbeat. Riley Thilthorpe will take the field after overcoming back soreness that kept him out of a recent trial.
- Debutants: Toby Murray, Callum Ah Chee, lachlan mcandrew
- Returned from minor injury: Isaac Cumming, James Peatling
- Managed player: Jake Soligo (training workload due to irregular heartbeat)
- Recovered key forward: Riley Thilthorpe (overcame back soreness)
- Emergencies named: Chayce Jones, James Borlase, Luke Nankervis
Adelaide Executive General Manager Football Adam Kelly said preparations had been solid and the squad were keen to open their campaign, describing the pre-season work as deliberate and the group as ready for the match.
Selection of lachlan mcandrew and the emphasis on ruck strategy represent a clear tactical hinge for Adelaide heading into Round One. The club balances immediate match needs with longer-term adaptation to rule changes that have reshaped ruck craft, leaving the final on-field equation to be settled in game conditions and early-season minutes.
Uncertainty remains: the club’s choice between a high-jumping ruck profile and a retooled grappling-to-run-and-jump option will influence centre-bounce control and clearance structures. What supporters should anticipate is a carefully managed debut for the newcomers and an evolving ruck rotation that may shift during the match itself.
