Crows clear defensive duo for AFL final

Adelaide expect defensive duo Kyle Cheney and Luke Brown to play in their AFL elimination final after emerging unscathed from Wednesday’s main training session.

Cheney (groin) and Brown (soreness) eased any lingering concern at training ahead of the Crows’ knockout final against North Melbourne.

“They moved really well. We did some decent training and they seemed to get through it fine … I think they will be good to go,” Adelaide ruckman Sam Jacobs told reporters.

The Crows will make at least two changes to their side with vice-captain Rory Sloane to return from suspension and rebounding half-back Brodie Smith overcoming concussion.

Adelaide enter the Adelaide Oval final as hot favourites against a Kangaroos outfit which has won just two of their past 11 games.

But the Crows remain wary of the Roos, and particularly their influential ruckman Todd Goldstein who Jacobs rates the best in the business despite Melbourne’s Max Gawn winning All Australian honours this season.

“I think he’s still the best in the game,” Jacobs said of his North rival.

“Obviously Maxy has been great this year but I think Toddy is the most well-rounded and has obviously been at the top of his game for five or 10 years now.

“I have played a lot of footy against him. We have both had our ups and downs against each other and hopefully this week I’m able to compete really well and give our mids first use.”

Jacobs said he another motive for performing well against Goldstein – making some amends for a poor last outing in Adelaide’s loss to West Coast which cost the Crows a top-four berth.

“I personally expect to bounce back well,” Jacobs said.

“It’s obviously disappointing not to play well but in the past I have had bad games and I have been able to respond.

“So I’m confident this week I can compete. Obviously Goldy is a really good player so I’m going to have to be on my game.”

Stay up to date with the latest sports news
Follow our social accounts to get exclusive content and all the latest sporting news!