Adelaide will blood its sixth AFL debutant of season 2018, naming forward Elliott Himmelberg to face Carlton on Saturday night at Etihad Stadium.

The younger brother of Giant Harrison Himmelberg, the 198cm young talent comes into the side after Tom Doedee underwent surgery on Wednesday for a fractured collarbone.

The 20-year-old has shown enormous potential over the past month in the SANFL with 11 goals from his last five games, including a haul of five against North Adelaide.

“Exciting news for Elliott, he’s toiled away in the SANFL and his second half of the year has been really strong for us,” Assistant coach Ben Hart told AFC Media on Thursday.



“He’s played as a key forward and in the ruck so we’re excited to give him an opportunity to come in and play at the high level – he deserves it.”



NEXT: Himmelberg's new tricks

His selection is the second change Adelaide has made to the side that defeated North Melbourne last Sunday with tall defender Alex Keath also coming in to replace Kyle Cheney.



Keath was a late withdrawal form last week’s squad with a hamstring injury but returns to face the Blues.

“Alex has recovered from a slight injury and his last four or five weeks before that were fantastic,” Hart said.



“Unfortunately for Kyle Cheney he’s the one that misses out… he can count himself a little unlucky, his form’s been pretty solid but Carlton have a bit of height so Keathy comes in.”



Running half-back Brodie Smith will sit out of this week’s game.

“His calf is still bothering him a little bit… he’s been cleared to play but we’ve decided to give him a rest so now he can just focus his pre-season and coming back and firing for us next season,” Hart said.

“It gives us an opportunity to play Milera and MacKay off half-back.”

Cheney, Cam Ellis-Yolmen, Paul Hunter and Lachlan Murphy are the Round 23 emergencies.

Defender Daniel Talia underwent surgery on Thursday after failing to pass a fitness test for this weekend’s game.

The Round 23 team is…

IN – E. Himmelberg, A. Keath

OUT – T. Doedee (collarbone), K. Cheney (omitted)



