Crows coach Don Pyke has explained the difficult decision to omit Eddie Betts from the Round 19 side to face Carlton.

Speaking to the media on Friday, Pyke said he broke the news to the small forward over a coffee earlier this week.

“To tell him he’s not playing was difficult,” Pyke said.

“Eddie is a much loved player, (but) these are the decisions we need to make for our best opportunity to win this week.

“Ed has been frustrated with his form (and) his performance hasn’t been what he wants or what we require.”

Betts will face Glenelg on Saturday in his first SANFL Crows appearance.

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Pyke said Betts still has plenty more to give at AFL level.

“In sport, people seem to think 30 is the barrier,” he said.

“Look at Roger Federer at 38, still competing and winning Grand Slam tennis titles.

“I’m not seeing with Eddie this is the end by any means, he’s still got plenty of good footy left in him.

“His way back in is to perform and do the things he’s done for 300-plus games.”

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Alex Keath will travel to Melbourne as an emergency and will be available to play if needed.

He was removed from the side to address a troublesome ankle injury.

“Technically he is fit to play, but we've taken the view that we'd like to give him some recovery,” Pyke said.

“We weighed up (playing him), but the ankle issue has been ongoing for three to four weeks. 

“He’s had some good form, but we're looking in the best interest long-term for him and the team.”

Adelaide will face Carlton at the MCG on Saturday at 2.10pm AEST.