Pyke to stick with same 22

CROWS coach Don Pyke has confirmed rookie-listed midfielder Hugh Greenwood will be part of Adelaide’s grand final 22 to play Richmond at the MCG today.

This leaves Adelaide with an unchanged line-up – and novice Wayne Milera on the emergency list – as the Crows enter their first AFL grand final since the 1997-98 premiership double.

Adelaide finished its training program behind locked gates at the MCG yesterday morning when Greenwood was confident of dismissing concerns over a calf injury that limited his work in the 61-point win over Geelong in the preliminary final at Adelaide Oval last Friday.

Pyke confirmed Greenwood’s fitness, saying: “All playing ...”

Pyke revealed he did consider adding Milera to his 22 for the midfielderforward’s speed.

But Adelaide has opted for the versatility of Andy Otten, who returned to the 22 last week to replace injured forward Mitch McGovern (left hamstring).

Pyke noted the team’s arrival in Melbourne on Thursday was the “first time that they got to soak up the atmosphere ... and clearly there was a presence at both airports (Adelaide and Melbourne) when we left”.

“Talking to the guys this morning they are really comfortable,” Pyke said. “It was pretty normal in the early part of the week. And now we getting ready to play.”

Crows captain Taylor Walker acknowledged the difference that came with grand final week, “but you embrace it”.

“We created this opportunity ... and we have totally embraced it,” Walker said.

“We are all ready to go.”