The spectre of Collingwood ace Brodie Grundy has prompted Adelaide coach Don Pyke to buck his long-held tradition.
For the first time in his four-year tenure as Crows coach, Pyke will deploy two specialist ruckmen in Saturday’s twilight fixture against the Magpies at Adelaide Oval.
Pyke has summoned Reilly O’Brien to ruck in tandem with Sam Jacobs and admits their selection is purely to quell the influence of Grundy.
“It’s something we haven’t done in the past but we obviously recognise Grundy and his influence on the game,” Pyke told reporters on Friday.
“We just feel like it’s the right blend and mix for this week … (to) try and nullify the influence of what is probably if not the premier big man in the game, one of the top ones.
“There’s risk in every decision you make, that’s life, isn’t it.
“But we have got two guys who are in good form that we think can do a good job for us.
“Reality is, both those guys are coming in to play primarily ruck and quell the influence of Brodie Grundy as much as give us an advantage at the stoppage.”
The Crows are in ninth spot on the ladder must win their remaining two games to feature in the finals.
But Pike said the cut-throat nature wasn’t worth dwelling on with his players ahead of hosting the fifth-placed Magpies.
“”I don’t really need to talk about it because they’re very aware of the position we’re in,” he said.
“We sit at 10 (wins) and 10 (losses). We have got two must-win games if we want to play finals – me highlighting it doesn’t necessarily make it more front and centre in their mind.
“We are focused on more how we are going to win the game and what creates winning for us.”
Pyke summoned winger Paul Seedsman and dropped Rory Atkins, with O’Brien replacing defender Andy Otten, while Jacobs will play his 200th AFL game.
Collingwood made one change, omitting Josh Daicos in favour of John Noble.