Source :- PERTH NOW NEWS
The stars have aligned for Adelaide’s mid-season recruit Hugo Hall-Kahan, who will finally make his AFL debut on Thursday night against Geelong.
The Crows picked Hall-Kahan in last week’s rookie draft. The 22-year-old defender had previously been on Sydney’s list, also recruited by them in the 2022 mid-season draft.
Adelaide did not expect Hall-Kahan to play in the AFL so soon, but Isaac Cumming’s hamstring injury at training on Monday night has paved the way.
Crows football boss Adam Kelly said Hall-Kahan had made an immediate impression at the club and deserved his selection for the Adelaide Oval clash.
“Our recruiting team … tracked Hugo closely in the lead up to the mid-season draft and they recommended with confidence that he was a player that could add something to our squad, and that he had the potential to play at AFL level in 2026,” Kelly said.
“We didn’t think that the opportunity would avail itself so early but with Isaac Cumming’s injury on Monday night, and Hugo really impressing in our last two main sessions, the decision was made to bring him in for his AFL debut.
“Whilst new to our group, we are trusting in the high level of footy that Hugo has consistently produced in the VFL, and that warranted the opportunity.”
The 22-year-old defender was recruited from VFL team Williamstown after a strong start to the season.
The Crows also recalled veteran key forward Taylor Walker, with Riley Thilthorpe injured and Izak Rankine injured.
Geelong made three changes, losing in-form defender Lawson Humphries to an ankle injury, managing Mitch Edwards and dropping Brad Close.
Jack Martin, Jack Bowes and Oli Wiltshire will come into their side.
The Cats have won their last six games against Adelaide, and nine of the last 10.
The Crows’ last win over Geelong was at Adelaide Oval in round one, 2021.
