Five Crows will face fitness tests ahead of the Club’s first AFL and SANFL finals.
Adelaide’s AFL team has a bye this week ahead of a home Elimination Final against North Melbourne on the Saturday night, September 10. However, the SANFL Crows will be action this weekend, taking on Central District in knockout final at Adelaide Oval from 12:10pm on Saturday (September 3).
Defenders Brodie Smith, Nathan van Berlo and Tom Doedee, wingman Paul Seedsman and forward/ruckman Luke Lowden could all be available for selection.
Smith sat out Adelaide’s Round 23 loss to West Coast after suffering a concussion against Port Adelaide the week prior. Crows General Manager of High Performance Brett Burton said the All Australian was making good progress.
“Brodie is going through the normal concussion protocols and is recovering well,” Burton said.
“We look forward to him training over the next couple of weeks and being available to play.”
Seedsman hasn’t played at any level since suffering a nasty corked buttock in Adelaide’s Round 20 win over the Brisbane Lions. Burton said the long-kicking recruit was nearing a comeback.
“Paul is going along well with his rehab,” Burton said.
“He’s back running, so we look forward to him training throughout the week and being available for SANFL selection this week.”
Doedee (rib sprain) and van Berlo (foot) were both late withdrawals from Adelaide’s SANFL clash with South Adelaide on Saturday.
“We’re hopeful those guys (Doedee and van Berlo) will both train normally this week and be available to play,” Burton said.
Lowden, who has recovered quicker than expected from an ankle sprain, could be a surprise inclusion against Central District. Rookie Alex Keath is also ahead of schedule in his recovery from a fractured vertebrae, but will miss at least another week.
The Club reported no new injuries at AFL or SANFL level over the weekend.
Midfielder Rory Sloane has served a one-match suspension for rough conduct and is free to play.
Injury list as of Monday, August 29
Brodie Smith (concussion) – Test
Paul Seedsman (corked buttock) – Test
Tom Doedee (rib sprain) – Test
Nathan van Berlo (foot) – Test
Luke Lowden (ankle) – Test
Alex Keath (back) – 1 week
Sam Shaw (concussion) – Season
