Adelaide’s Brenton Sanderson is preparing to take his first gamble as an AFL coach and play key defender Ben Rutten in Saturday’s season-opener against Gold Coast.
Rutten missed all pre-season games with a foot injury but Sanderson is ready to risk the backman against the Suns.
“We’re pretty confident that he’ll play,” Sanderson told reporters on Wednesday.
“He’s had a really solid month of high intensity training and a lot of match simulation-type drills.
“So we feel that if we picked him that he could play without looking like he’s missed too much footy.
“I know it’s been a long time between games for him but he’s experienced, he’s professional, he’s prepared himself perfectly.”
Rutten’s recovery has given Sanderson an “absolute nightmare” the rookie coach is happy to have: his entire playing list is available for selection.
“I don’t think I have ever been with a team that has got a full squad to pick from for round one,” Sanderson said.
“We have got to pinch ourselves that we have got a fit list.”
Sanderson remains undefeated as a head coach, the Crows claiming the pre-season trophy with a five-game winning streak the former Geelong assistant said now counted for little.
“The world is watching how we react to a good summer and a good NAB Cup series. I know the footy world will be eager to see if there is any sort of hangover,” he said.
“We’re ready to go.
“They (players) are bouncing around, full of energy, a full squad to pick from – so we couldn’t be better prepared for the start of a long season.”
While Saturday is Sanderson’s first as a head coach, he said it already felt like round 15.
“But that is because I have been working for six months,” he said.
“There is a great energy amongst our group and through our coaches and our football club.
“My energy is probably going to be adrenaline.
“I couldn’t have asked for much better to be honest.
“It’s hard work but, at the same time, I’m absolutely loving every second of it.
“I know there are going to be some challenges throughout the season but, at the moment, I’m sort of flying by the seat of my pants and having a great time while I’m doing it.”
