Tom Highmore will make his AFL debut this Sunday afternoon against GWS, with senior coach Brett Ratten today confirming the mature-age recruit's place in the starting line-up.
The 23-year-old – taken at pick No. 45 from the 2020 National Draft – has impressed during his short time at RSEA Park, featuring in the club's two pre-season games against North Melbourne and Carlton.
Highmore will join fellow SANFL recruit Callum Wilkie in the defensive end, which will be without co-captain Jarryn Geary, Ben Paton and James Frawley through injury.
The intercepting defender pieced together a strong campaign for South Adelaide in 2020, relocating from his native Canberra to improve his chances of being drafted.
"It will be great for him to play and he's really looking forward to it," Ratten said.
"He kicks the ball well, he's brave, he's a good size… so whether he's a second-tall defender or third he's sort of in that category.
"There's so many stories about how you got an opportunity to play the game... some have had to work (through) different paths and different challenges.
"Players have got their own stories, but they all have the opportunity to make a mark on their own AFL careers."
