Youngster Reilly O’Brien deserves his opportunity if No.1 ruckman Sam Jacobs is unable to play in Saturday night’s clash with Brisbane, according to defender Rory Laird.

Jacobs suffered a "relatively minor" ankle injury in Adelaide’s win over Essendon at Adelaide Oval on Sunday.

While the Crows are hopeful he will be fit to face the Lions this weekend, O’Brien looms as a capable replacement should Jacobs be unavailable.

The 20-year-old has been a consistent performer at SANFL level all season and amassed 34 hit-outs, 15 possessions and kicked a goal in Sunday’s SANFL Showdown opposed to Port Adelaide big man Matthew Lobbe.

"He hasn't put a foot wrong since he's come here," Laird said.

"He's playing consistent footy in the SANFL and played a bit of NAB (Challenge) last year.

"He's a really good player, great ruck work and follows the ball really well around the park with his ground ball and second efforts.

"I'd definitely say he's ready for an AFL shot."

Crows captain Taylor Walker is also in the mix for the Adelaide Oval encounter after he sat out Sunday's 82-point demolition of the Bombers.

The forward will ramp up his training loads throughout the week in a bid to return from a minor ankle injury.

Adelaide will be a heavy favourite to account for the Lions this weekend and it's another chance for the Crows to boost their percentage and keep the pressure on the top four.

But Laird said the focus was squarely on claiming the four premiership points.

"You've just got to keep winning and every game is super important," Laird said.

"It's a tight competition in the top five and top eight in general.

"We've just got to win every game and every game is as important as the next.

"That's the theme we'll take into Brisbane this week."