Key defender Daniel Talia has a few more boxes to tick in order to prove his fitness for Saturday night’s clash with Brisbane at The Gabba. 

After being a late withdrawal from the side that defeated Geelong in Round 16 with a foot injury, the 26-year-old is in some doubt for the trip to Southeast Queensland after receiving a shin knock earlier this week. 

Crows General Manager High Performance Matt Hass said scans on Tuesday revealed Talia had a minor fibula head fracture.

“Unfortunately for Tals’ last week, he was a late withdrawal with the foot injury,” Hass said.

“Since then he’s received a knock to the shin and unfortunately scans today have showed a small crack in the fibula.

“We’ll give him every chance for this weekend, but he’s got some work to do to be available.”

In news that will delight Crows fans, Brodie Smith (ACL) and Mitch McGovern (ankle) are both in contention to play this weekend after extended stints on the sidelines.

Smith, who suffered a serious knee injury in last year’s Qualifying Final against the Giants, has made solid progress with his rehab and needs to tick off a few more boxes at training to be considered for selection. 

“Smithers has done really well in the last month. He’s been into full training, no restrictions, with all the contact,” Hass said. 

“The main training session; he’s done a few now but the final one is on Wednesday so getting through that we’re very hopeful that he’ll play.” 

Transitioning back into full contact training #weflyasone

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McGovern is expected to be available this weekend for his first appearance in over two months after an ankle injury sustained in the Round Eight Showdown. 

“That’s going really well at the moment, he’s back into main training,” Hass said. 

“Again, like the others, needs to get through main training but we expect him to be available on the weekend.”

Swingman Andy Otten is on track to play in the SANFL on Saturday afternoon after battling Achilles soreness, while veteran Richard Douglas remains 1-2 weeks away.

  

Injury list as of Tuesday, July 17
Daniel Talia (shin) – test
Brodie Smith (knee) – test
Mitch McGovern (ankle) – test
Andy Otten (Achilles) – test
Curtly Hampton (illness) - test
Richard Douglas (ankle) – 1-2 weeks
Harry Dear (knee) – 1-2 weeks
David Mackay (ribs) – 2-3 weeks
Jackson Edwards (ankle) – 2-3 weeks
Andrew McPherson (hamstring) – indefinite
Brad Crouch (groin) – indefinite
Reilly O’Brien (shoulder) - season