The Adelaide Crows have reportedly made a statement at the selection table following last weekend's upset loss to Hawthorn at the MCG.
Veteran ruck Reilly O'Brien is set to be be omitted from the side on form, with 28-year-old SANFL serviceman Kieran Strachan set to replace the big man for an unlikely first appearance since 2022 in their clash against the Tigers, perย 7 News'ย Mitch Cleary.
The news may come as a shock to many after O'Brien dominated his ruck duel with Hawk Ned Reeves, with 35 hitouts to 20.
He finished with a meagre nine disposals for the day, but did lay eight tackles and earn an equal-high 111 SuperCoach points for the Crows.
The loss was met with widespread criticism however, perhaps forcing the hand of the Crows management to make a big call at selection, and they have pulled the trigger with O'Brien's axeing.
The 202cmย Strachan will be looking to relish an opportunity to perform on his home ground in a prime-time slot, having played just five senior matches since being picked up in the 2018 Rookie Draft.
His last appearance was a Round 10 loss to St Kilda in 2022, where he managed an impressive 17 disposals to go with 19 hitouts, five tackles and four marks.
Up against premiership Tiger Toby Nankervis, Strachan will be set for a big challenge against a quality opponent in what is now a must-win match for the Crows.
