Adelaide utility Curtly Hampton is feeling right at home, praising the Club's leaders for giving him the belief to reach his full potential.

The former Greater Western Sydney rebounding defender has emerged as a genuine chance to slot into the Crows' midfield for the start of the season.

Hampton – who played 51 games in four seasons with the Giants – got better as the game went on in last Friday's JLT Community Series clash with Richmond, picking up 16 possessions through the midfield and across half-forward.

It was his Crows debut and the 23-year-old's first appearance at AFL level since July 28, 2015.

"All my teammates made me feel comfortable before the game," Hampton told reporters on Tuesday from the Crows' Australia Post AFL Community Camp at Port Augusta.

"The leaders all had a word to me: Tex (captain Taylor Walker), Daniel Talia, Eddie Betts.

"They just told me to trust the pre-season I've done and they'll look after me out there.

"I went back to basics and followed what Pykey (coach Don Pyke) has said to me all pre-season – put the team first and do what you're good at.

"I just tried to keep it simple and do what I could."

Spots in the Crows' midfield are up for grabs after untimely injuries to key players.

Cam Ellis-Yolmen was pushing his claims before being ruled out for the season with a torn ACL.

All Australian Rory Sloane (fractured eye socket), Brad Crouch (hamstring) and veteran Scott Thompson (shoulder) are racing the clock to be fit for the start of the season.

Hampton said he wasn't looking any further than Sunday's JLT Community Series game with Geelong at Richmond Oval.

"I've got to take it week by week and learn off the leaders and listen to Pykey and see what he wants from me," Hampton said.

"I'm happy I'm playing alongside Eddie Betts and (Taylor) Walker and these kind of guys.

"I'll do the team-first things and the rest should take care of itself."