Hoping a Crows supporter can offer some insight. Whats the go with Andy Otten? I had him in the 1st draft of my side but somehow forgot about him and forgot to keep an eye on him during the preseason. Obviously injured last year. How is he tracking for this year?
148K and might offer some relief with the uncertainty on def rookies.
Injury update from
afc.com.au
Four Crows are set to play their first games of the year this weekend.
Riley Knight, Charlie Cameron,
Andy Otten and Ricky Henderson will all be available to return to action on Saturday at AFL or SANFL level.
Emerging forwards Knight (ankle) and Cameron (knee) re-joined main training last week, while defenders Otten (knee) and Henderson (back) have completed a ‘mini pre-season’ in preparation for Round One.
And from
last week's injury update:
Defenders
Andy Otten and Ricky Henderson are also expected to put their hands up for selection.
Otten (knee) and Henderson (back) both had surgery before Christmas, but have been back in full training for several weeks.
“Andy Otten and Ricky Henderson have effectively done a mini pre-season over the last 6-8 weeks,” Burton said.
“Medically, they’ve been cleared and from a loading point of view they’re really building some good fitness.
"They’re on track for Round One as well.”
It is difficult to get a gauge on who will play as the 2nd tall defender for Adelaide (Talia is clearly #1).
Jake Lever is 193cm but only in his second season and is not strong enough yet for that role every week. He can play as the third tall.
Cheney is only 186cm but has shown in the past that he plays well against taller opponents. However he doesn't have the talent some of the others do.
Hartigan (193cm) has the size and strength to play as a KPD but makes about 2 stupid errors every game. I cringe and pray every time he has the ball in his hands. Talent is limited.
Otten is 194cm and can play as a swing man forward and back. He has more talent than Cheney and Hartigan and IMO is best 22 if fit.
The question becomes whether Talia, Otten and Lever can hold the defense together? In that scenario Lever would probably play as the 2nd KPD and Otten as a third tall who roams a lot more (ie is looser on his opponent).
But the Crows are on their fourth coach in just over 12 months so who really knows how they will line up.
If Otten is named I will start him.