Crows lose Matt Crouch for AFL clash

Adelaide midfielder Matt Crouch has been ruled of out Saturday's AFL match against Brisbane.

AFL CROWS CATS CROUCH

Crows midfielder Matt Crouch has failed to overcome a hip injury in time to face the Lions. (AAP)

Adelaide coach Don Pyke is challenging veteran Bryce Gibbs to rise from the AFL doldrums.

Gibbs has earnt a late call-up to replace injured midfielder Matt Crouch in Adelaide's side to play Brisbane at the Gabba on Saturday.

Gibbs has endured a troubled season - he was dropped due to poor form and, on return, curtailed by a back injury which ruled him out of last weekend's win against Port Adelaide.

But the 258-gamer has been summoned after Crouch failed to overcome a hip injury in time to front against the Lions.

Crows boss Pyke says Gibbs must make the most of call-up after initially being overlooked for selection.

"It was hard to make too many changes given the way the side is performing," Pyke told reporters on Friday.

"And the roles which we see Bryce playing, there were other guys ahead of him."

Gibbs, before his back problems, had been recast as a half-back but Pyke said would likely return to his customary midfield role as the third-placed Crows seek a win against the fifth-placed Lions.

"He played reasonably well down back for us a couple of weeks ago but he has played a lot as a mid," Pyke said.

"I'll expect he's ready to go and looking forward to the opportunity."


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Source: AAP


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