Overview
- Coach Matthew Nicks confirmed Rachele is fit to play and stressed the selection is not a gamble after a 10-week rehabilitation.
- The 22-year-old returns from a posterior capsular tear and bone compression to his left knee suffered in round 17 against Melbourne.
- Nicks declined to reveal whether Rachele will start or be the substitute, withholding final team changes until official line-ups are named.
- Adelaide expect his energy to lift the forward line, with the coach cautioning that touch and execution may take time after the long layoff.
- The Crows face immediate elimination if beaten by Hawthorn, which would mark a rare straight-sets exit for a top-placed team.