Adelaide coach Don Pyke is confident defenders Luke Brown, Alex Keath and Brodie Smith will be available to face Essendon despite the trio completing limited training on Wednesday.

Brown (back) and Keath (ankle) both finished the Crows’ main training session earlier than the group, while Smith missed the session due to illness.

“Luke’s got a bit of a tight back, but we're confident that will settle down and he'll be right to play," Pyke told reporters.

"Alex has had a bit of a sore ankle, but there wouldn't be many guys this time of year in the industry running around feeling 100 percent.

"We were just managing his loads with the six day break - he’s had a pretty heavy load throughout the season.

Luke Brown during the Crows' main training session on Wednesday. Image: Tamika Walker, AFC Media.

As for Smith, Pyke said the 27-year-old missed training with a virus, but should also be ready to go for Friday night.

After Smith collected 60 per cent of his 24 disposals in the forward half last Saturday night, Pyke said he would continue to explore playing him further up the ground. 

"We've started to explore a few different guys through the midfield, including him [Smith] and Wayne Milera, too," Pyke said.

"Brodie’s enjoying it, he brings a different mix to our midfield balance.

“In his best seasons, he’s been one of our best for both rebound 50s and inside 50s - he’s a high metres gained player and covers the ground really well."

INJURY UPDATE: Round 18

Forward Tom Lynch completed Wednesday’s main session as he overcomes a calf injury.

"Tom's a chance, he trained really well so he’ll certainly be in the mix,” Pyke said.

"He's a really good player and was in really good form before he went out of the team so hopefully every goes well and he gets up.”

The Crows will host the Bombers at Adelaide Oval this Friday night from 7.20pm ACST.