Adelaide has avoided any serious injuries in its first pre-season hit-out after losing four players to minor concerns during its loss to Richmond.
Ruckman Sam Jacobs (back), midfielder Cam Ellis-Yolmen (knee), and forwards Mitch McGovern (knee) and Jono Beech (calf) were all casualties in the Crows' 19-point defeat to the Tigers at Etihad Stadium on Friday night.
But coach Don Pyke said the Club was only taking the conservative approach with the group, and expects all to be available for their next JLT Community Series clash against Geelong next Sunday.
"We would've liked to have played Sam a bit longer tonight. He tweaked his back a little bit which is a bit stiff, and at this time of the year we take a no-risk policy," Pyke said post-game.
"All those boys we expect will be fine for next week but it's just a matter of tonight not being the night where you push guys on to get them through."
The Crows were overrun by the Tigers after leading by five points at half-time, conceding 10 goals in the second half while only booting five themselves.
But Pyke was optimistic about the Club's midfield depth with key trio Rory Sloane (fractured eye socket), Scott Thompson (hamstring) and Brad Crouch (hamstring) missing from the clash, and said the Crows can take heart from the respective returns of Andy Otten and Curtly Hampton against the Tigers.
Otten had not played for the Crows since the end of 2014 after suffering a run of serious knee injuries, while Hampton missed all of last year after crossing from Greater Western Sydney.
"Some of the guys were a bit nervy and edgy about the opportunity that presented, whereas Andy was like 'I've been here before' so it was pleasing to see he's got return for effort he's put in over pre-season," Pyke said.
"We think Curtly can be that player who can play between half-back and half-forward. He's got a nice blend of power and speed."
Several youngsters impressed in the hit-out including third-year Crow Harrison Wigg (23 possessions, four marks), speedster Wayne Milera Junior (16 possessions, eight tackles) and fellow livewire Charlie Cameron (14 possessions, four tackles).
All three spent time in the midfield with many of their senior teammates out of the side.
“It was a good opportunity for a number of those guys,” Pyke said.
“Some of them have played some really good footy at SANFL level last year, so it was good to be able to give them an opportunity to play through the midfield.
“I thought there was some really positive signs.”