Knicks suggest rule changes contribute to injuries, star Crowe will miss

Matthew Nicks regrets Adelaide’s multiple hamstring injuries as pain keeps Milera’s Wayne out of Showdown

Wayne Milera after Round 13 between Adelaide and Geelong at Adelaide Oval on June 4, 2026. Photo: AFL Photos

MATTHEW Nicks suspects rule changes designed to speed up the game have led to a spate of hamstring injuries in Adelaide.

The Crows lost in-form defender Wayne Mealer to a hamstring strain in Saturday’s game against Port Adelaide.

Milera is the eighth Adelaide player to suffer a hamstring injury this season. The hit list includes Izak Rankin, prized rookie Callum Ah Chee and veteran Taylor Walker.

“I think across the league this is a trend that a lot of teams are working on,” Nix told reporters Friday.

“With the changes in the game, the speed of the game has increased much faster than what we have seen in the last few years.

“The extra rotation on the bench, the last touch off the field – there are a few small changes.

“And a lot of teams are facing some challenges in that area in terms of missed games.”

Australia hopeful Milera reported pain during midweek training, while Nicks described his injury as minor.

“It was just common sense: no risk,” Nix said.

Milera was replaced by Isaac Cumming, who is returning from a hamstring injury, and key defender Nick Murray was replaced by Josh Worrell.

Worrell missed Adelaide’s win over Melbourne last weekend due to illness, and Nix said it was incorrect to suggest the interception defender was suspended for disciplinary reasons.

Josh Worrell during the eighth round between Adelaide and Port Adelaide at Adelaide Oval, May 1, 2026. Photo: AFL Photos

The Ravens (nine wins, five losses) are ranked fifth and enter the battle against the struggling power as heavy favorites.

Port (four wins, 10 losses) languish in 15th place and are again plagued by their own injuries, with Esawa Ratugolea (patella tendon) and Ewan McKinley (knee) both ruled out for the season after suffering injuries last weekend.

Strength coach Josh Carr also dropped Todd Marshall, Harrison Ramm and Tom Cochrane, while recalling Brownlow medalist Ollie Wines, Dante Visentini, Jacob Wehr, Brandon Zerk-Thatcher and Mitch Zadow.

“They had their problems,” Nix said of Porte.

“But they play great football and I know Josh very well, I coached with him all the time and he’s a fantastic coach.”

“We understand that form means nothing when you go into battle.

“More often than not, these are intense battles.”