Classy forward Jason Porplyzia is hoping to play more midfield minutes as he continues his comeback from a serious shoulder injury.

Porplyzia, who suffered a season-ending shoulder injury in round one last year, made his long-awaited AFL return in Adelaide’s opening-round clash with Gold Coast, but his comeback stalled temporarily when he landed awkwardly on his arm at training in the lead-up to Showdown XXXII.

Fearing he’d reinjured his rebuilt shoulder Porplyzia was sent for scans, which much to his relief showed only a minor muscle strain.

The Crows’ 2009 leading goalkicker was cleared to play against Sydney at the SCG on Saturday night, starting the hotly-contested match in the midfield.

He showed his trademark clean hands at the stoppages, collecting 18 possessions, seven marks, three clearances and also tested out his shoulder, laying five tackles.

The skilful 27-year-old has gradually improved his endurance over the course of his 93-game career and said he was excited by the prospect of playing more as a pinch-hitting onballer this season.

“It would be nice to get into the midfield amongst the action and get a bit more of the ball,” Porplyzia told afc.com.au.

“I’ve started to get a bit more midfield time in the games I’ve played this season already. When things aren’t working quite as well up forward, it’s nice to be able to have that midfield role in your arsenal and to be able help the boys out there.”

Porplyzia also rotated through half-forward but was uncharacteristically off-target, recording two behinds.

Coach Brenton Sanderson said he was looking forward to Porplyzia playing a variety of roles in 2012.

“Porps is really important to us,” Sanderson said.

“He just provides that difficult match-up for opposition teams. He’s so clean at ground level and can mark the ball overhead. When he’s in the side, we certainly look better.”

Adelaide takes on Geelong, 12.45pm Saturday 12 May in the Crows next home match AAMI Stadium.  Click here for tickets and match day information.