As many as five Crows could return from injury after the bye this weekend.
Defenders Jake Lever (ankle), Ricky Henderson (back) and Sam Shaw (concussion) will all face fitness tests in the lead-up to Adelaide’s next game against Hawthorn on Thursday, June 18.
The luckless Shaw was concussed in his second game back from a long-term hamstring injury in the Club’s first SANFL win of the season against Sturt on Sunday. He’ll be subjected to the standard concussion protocols.
Lever missed Adelaide’s AFL clash with Carlton at the MCG because of a sprained ankle sustained in the last quarter of the loss to Fremantle. The impressive 19-year-old initially hoped to be available for the Carlton clash, but his ankle didn’t respond to treatment as quickly as anticipated.
Henderson has missed the past three games with a nagging back complaint. Crows Head of Football David Noble was optimistic both players would be available for selection next week.
“Ricky Henderson’s back continues to improve. The weekend off has probably come at a good time for a number of players, particularly Rick,” Noble said.
“We’re really hopeful Jake will be available too, but like Rick he’ll be a ‘test’. We’re confident he’ll nearly be right by the time we get to the Hawthorn game.”
Trade period recruit Luke Lowden is hopeful the week off will help him recover from lingering Achilles soreness.
“The Achilles has been a bit of an ongoing issue for Luke. It’s certainly on the improve and, with a bit of luck, if we can get him through training, he’s likely to be available for our next SANFL game,” Noble said.
Young utility Sam Siggins will be available for selection next week after missing the past fortnight through a combination of injury and illness. Adelaide’s SANFL team also has a weekend off as part of the local league’s split round.
Midfield duo Richard Douglas and Brad Crouch both made successful returns from foot injuries in the SANFL on Sunday and have pulled up well. Young onballer Sam Kerridge is still about a month away with an ankle injury.
Andy Otten has resumed full training as he ramps up his recovery from a second knee reconstruction. Draftee Harry Dear (shoulder) and defender Matt Jaensch (knee) are the Club’s long-term injury concerns.
Crows players and coaches will be on leave from Wednesday to Saturday. As a result, there will be no open training sessions this week.
Limited tickets remain for the Club’s Thursday night blockbuster against reigning premiers Hawthorn at Adelaide Oval. The match will celebrate the Adelaide Football Club’s 25th season in the AFL. The Club will hold its Gala Ball on Friday, June 19. Get your tickets to the prestigious event.
Injury List as of Tuesday, June 9
Jake Lever (ankle) – test
Ricky Henderson (back) – test
Sam Shaw (concussion) – test
Luke Lowden (Achilles) – test
Sam Kerridge (ankle) – 3-5 weeks
Andy Otten (knee) – TBA
Harry Dear (shoulder) – TBA
Matthew Jaensch (knee) – season
Brent Reilly (fractured skull) – retired
