Crows forward Ian Callinan returns to the side this week after missing round one. Picture: Sarah Reed. Source: The Advertiser
ADELAIDE is taking every precaution as it attempts to avoid a 0-2 start to the season in Brisbane this afternoon, training with wet footballs yesterday in preparation for the expected slippery conditions at the Gabba.
Forward coach Mark Bickley carried a bucket out on to Max Basheer Reserve and soaked the footballs after showers were predicted in Brisbane.
It's an interesting test for the Crows, who appeared to struggle when it rained during their round one loss to Essendon.
Adelaide was leading 3.3 to 0.0 when a downpour allowed the Bombers to slow down the game.
With momentum arrested it was then the Essendon players who were more reliable by foot with the slippery ball.
Midfield coach Scott Camporeale played down the issue, denying wet weather was the reason for the defeat against the Bombers.
"We've (trained with wet footballs) before, it's not rocket science," he said.
"We understand it might be wet up there and a few guys wanted to have a crack and see what it felt like.
"It's no big deal, it's a winter sport, no big deal ...
"I think you'd be drawing a long bow if (you thought) wet weather is a key if we're going to win or lose a game. There's a lot of other things that happened in the game, not necessarily the rain."
Debutant Brad Crouch and small forward Ian Callinan replace Brodie Martin and Graham Johncock in Adelaide's 22 for today's game.
Camporeale said the goodwill Callinan built during a 40-goal season in 2012 and the need to improve the team's defensive pressure inside the forward 50 had prompted his recall.
"We had to pick him," he said.
"We didn't kick a winning score against Essendon. He kicked 40 goals (last year) and kicked four goals against Brisbane last time up there.
"It looks like there will be a bit of drizzly conditions so we think he's one who could really suit that game."
It left Johncock to play for the Port Adelaide Magpies in the SANFL last night and with new question marks over his position in the side this season.
"I guess he's got to one - kick goals, but two - we need some really good defensive pressure in there, hence why Callinan comes back," Camporeale said.
"He (Callinan) provides really good defensive pressure, knows the structures really well and can run out a game which is really important for us. 'Stiffy' is going to play a lot of footy for us this year but for the balance of the side we wanted Callinan in this week."
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