Crows coach Brenton Sanderson has declared young defender Daniel Talia a certain starter for Sunday afternoon’s clash with Melbourne at the MCG.

Talia was substituted at half-time of Adelaide’s game against Brisbane last weekend after suffering a corked thigh in a marking contest in the first quarter.

Sanderson was optimistic the Crows’ injury list would dwindle in the coming fortnight, with several players, including Jason Porplyzia (bruised shoulder blade) and Brodie Smith (calf) set to return.

 “Talz will definitely play. He’ll train today,” Sanderson said before training on Thursday.

“Brodie Smith and Jason Porplyzia should also be right back in the mix this week.

“We’re really close to getting Brodie Martin (hamstring), Ricky Henderson (ankle) and Andy Otten (knee) back as well. I’m not sure who out of those three will play this week, but we might get one or two playing in the SANFL.

“We’re starting to get a few players back, which is nice.”

Adelaide probably needs one more win to secure a top-four spot, but has to win both of its remaining games - against Melbourne and Gold Coast - to stay in the hunt for a home qualifying final.

Sanderson said the Club wouldn’t go down the path of ‘resting’ players in the lead-up to finals.

“We won’t rest players, but we’ll certainly manage their output during the week to make sure they’re getting the best out of themselves on the weekend,” he said.

“I don’t think we’re a Club that can flirt with our form too much. We’ve got to get rolling and be in really good touch come September.

“We have to play better than last week. Melbourne will be tough at the MCG - I know Brad Green announced today it’ll be his last match - so they’ll be up and about early.

“We’ve got to take our best game over there.”