Adelaide forwards coach James Rahilly says debutants James Rowe and Sam Berry are ready to make an impact at senior level.
The Crows confirmed on Thursday the pair will feature against Geelong on Saturday afternoon, as coach Matthew Nicks and his team search for the talent to take the club back up the ladder.
A small forward, Rowe was last year plucked from Woodville-West Torrens as a mature-aged recruit after playing in the Eagles’ premiership win.
He will wear the #31 his father Stephen wore in his first of four seasons with the Crows.
“He’s had a great pre-season,” Rahilly enthused on SEN SA Breakfast.
“Talk about footy IQ, for a kid coming in, which is going to help us being a young side.
“Yes, he’s a young player and hasn’t played, but he’s a super smart player, super smart around the goals.”
Rowe was promising in the Crows’ heavy AAMI Community Series defeat to Port Adelaide, collecting 15 disposals and two goal assists to go with three behinds.
“He missed three shots at goal that he’s kicked all through the training period, but that’s what he’s got to learn, to finish those goals,” Rahilly said.
“Especially the one from 30 centimetres out, the boys have been ribbing him about that one!
“He’ll find out what life’s about at the AFL level, and I think he’ll compete really well.”
19-year-old midfielder Sam Berry will also suit up against the Cats, in the absence of injured engine room staple Matt Crouch.
“He’s a wrecking ball, Sam Berry,” Rahilly remarked.
"He’s got really good hops as well, he can jump.
“Around the ball … he really goes at it, and if he doesn’t get it and the opposition do, he hurts the opposition.
“I think he could play a big part in our year.”
Crows fans will have to wait a bit longer to see top selection Riley Thilthorpe, however.
The towering forward from West Adelaide featured against Port Adelaide, but registered just three disposals and no marks from 39 per cent game time.
“Riley’s still working on his game. It was great to give him an opportunity, but he needs to learn to use his body at that level,” Rahilly explained.
“He can cover the ground really well for a big bloke, but most of the time at that height, you’re in a contest.”
The Crows will hope to improve upon their dismal pre-season form when they host the 2020 runners-up at Adelaide Oval.