Crows rule out Jacobs, Thompson in AFL

Adelaide have ruled out ruckman Sam Jacobs and veteran midfielder Scott Thompson for Saturday’s AFL clash with Brisbane.

Jacobs has failed to recover from a sprained ankle after landing awkwardly during a marking contest against Essendon on Sunday and will be replaced by debutant Reilly O’Brien.

Coach Don Pyke says the 201cm Jacobs has been cleared of any major damage but has suffered swelling which will prevent him from playing.

“There’s nothing sinister in there,” Pyke said on Wednesday.

“It’s a pretty traditional ankle sprain. We’re hopeful for next week but we’ll probably have to see how he goes over the weekend and how quickly he can get up and going next week.”

Pyke has meanwhile opted to use the Crows’ six-day break as an opportunity to rest 33-year-old Thompson, who notched his 300th game against Collingwood in round 17.

The durable onballer has only missed one game this season and is averaging 24 disposals, seven tackles and almost six clearances per outing.

“I’d spoken to ‘Thommo’ over the break about the likelihood of trying to give him another spell between the mid-season bye and the end of the season,” Pyke said.

“Without putting a firm date, we looked at the timing.

“He pulled up a bit sore so it just made sense. It gives someone else an opportunity and it gives him a chance to freshen up.”

Youngsters Harrison Wigg, Cam Ellis-Yolmen and Mitch Grigg are among those in line to replace Thompson.

Captain Taylor Walker is likely to return after missing Adelaide’s 82-point thumping of Essendon with an ankle injury.

Pyke said the influential forward was recovering well but had to make it through training on Wednesday evening before he could be selected.

“He’s really optimistic which is a good sign,” he said.

“We’ve got to see him train tonight and see how he recovers in the morning and take it from there.”

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