Charlie’s insight a big help for clash

MURRAY WENZEL BRISBANE will debut a fresh face and call on the insight of another as they seek to end a seven-game AFL losing streak to Adelaide at the Gabba today.

Mitch Hinge has finally banged down coach Chris Fagan’s door after nearly three years of trying on the rookie list, while former Crow Charlie Cameron will face his old club for the first time.

Cameron missed last season’s Crows reunion thanks to a long-term foot injury but has been happy to plot the thirdplaced side’s downfall with Fagan this week.

“I think he’ll handle it well,” Fagan said.

“He’s been very helpful this week, obviously knows a lot about the Crows team and is on his own home deck.

“He’s been a bit inaccurate (in front of goal) but been working away at that and that will come.”

Hinge, a 190cm utility, is one of two additions to the Brisbane team that lost to the Western Bulldogs last week, joining returning Josh Walker at the expense of omitted duo Ryan Lester and Tom Cutler.

Fagan said his irresistible form in a winning NEAFL outfit eventually told for Hinge.

“He’s one of those lads that works hard to improve his game, he’s always knocking on my door for a chat to see what he needs to do next,” Fagan said of the 20-year-old.

“I’m really pleased for him that after two-and-a-half years on our list that he’s broken through for his opportunity.”

“He’s highly respected among his teammates, he can play that wing-halfback, wingforward sort of role, and he’s one of those lads who works hard to improve his game.”

Adelaide have won their past four to move to 5-3, ahead of the Lions on percentage, but have lost star on-baller Matt Crouch, who failed to overcome a hip injury.

The Crows haven’t lost to Brisbane since 2012 but Fagan said his side had grown used to dealing with those sort of hurdles in what has been a breakthrough season already.

“It’s third on the ladder against fifth on the ladder,” Fagan said.

“It’s like round one against the West Coast Eagles, we’ve got to embrace that challenge.

“Sometimes if you focus on the result you can play a bit fearful.

“For us it’s trying to be fearless each week and take every challenge as it comes.” ADELAIDE coach Don Pyke is challenging veteran Bryce Gibbs to rise from the AFL doldrums.

Gibbs has earnt a late call-up to replace injured midfielder Matt Crouch in Adelaide’s side to play Brisbane at the Gabba today.

Gibbs has endured a troubled season — he was dropped due to poor form and, on return, curtailed by a back injury which ruled him out of last weekend’s win against Port Adelaide. Pyke says Gibbs must make the most of call-up after initially being overlooked for selection.

Gibbs, before his back problems, had been recast as a half-back but Pyke said would likely return to his customary midfield role.

“He played reasonably well down back for us a couple of weeks ago but he has played a lot as a mid,” Pyke said.