Adelaide coach Neil Craig said the Crows won't underestimate the Western Bulldogs' defensive game or their ability to play away from Telstra Dome when the two teams clash at AAMI Stadium on Saturday.

Craig said much of the football public were not giving the Bulldogs the credit they deserve for being a quality team across the ground.

"I think there is a picture in people's heads that it (the Bulldogs' game) is all just free flowing, running forward of the ball," he said.

"I dispute that, I think they've got a very good defensive action, I think it's going to be a great game of footy.

"I love their energy; they just want to play the game. It's fantastic."

The probable loss of skipper Mark Ricciuto to a hamstring injury means the Crows will be forced to reshuffle their team's structure in attack.

Craig said Ken McGregor may be moved up forward but was optimistic his other defenders would be able to perform without him.

"The Western Bulldogs have a small forward line but they also have the capacity to drop some height down there as well so I think there will be a fair bit of mixing or matching in that area if we need to," Craig said.

"If Kenny is not there (defence) we've got (Ben) Rutten who can player on a bigger guy or can take a medium size (player), (Nathan) Bassett can play big or small, (Ben) Hart can play big or small so we still have that flexibility down there."

Saturday's game could be played in wet and slippery conditions with weekend rain forecast in Adelaide.

It'll be a new experience for the Bulldogs who haven't left Melbourne yet this season but Craig is doubtful it'll give his team the edge.

"From what I've seen of them they are a very competent side, I don't think that is going to worry them too much," he said.

"I'm certain Rodney (Eade) hasn't set up their side up to think they can only play at Telstra Dome, that won't be the case - you'll see a slick game of footy."

Craig said an in-form Bulldogs line-up provides an undermanned Crows with a huge challenge.

"We need to find out as a club, as a playing group and as coaching group whether we are capable of still playing winning footy with the structure and personnel we have," he said.

"Last year I remember talking publicly that there was a want to play more new people, younger players.

"But in the end I decided not to do that because of the way we were going and the lack of injury, this year it's an easy decision for the coach."