Andy Otten and Ricky Henderson will partake in a ‘mini pre-season’ after returning to full training.
The defenders have both recovered from surgery in December last year. Otten had a minor knee operation, while Henderson went under the knife to correct a lingering back complaint.
General Manager of High Performance Brett Burton said the pair’s rehab was going to plan.
“Andy Otten and Ricky Henderson are back training with the main group,” Burton said.
“They’re uninhibited, so it’s really just about reconditioning those guys.
“Effectively, they’re just having a mini pre-season now.”
Rookie Jono Beech will also return to full training this week.
Beech, 25, has been on light duties for the past fortnight because of a slight hamstring strain.
“Jono Beech is pretty much back to 100 per cent now,” Burton said.
“He’ll join in the main training group for the rest of the week and be available for NAB (Challenge game) three selection.”
Recruit Curtly Hampton played his first game of the year in Adelaide’s SANFL trial on Saturday.
Hampton, who was on a modified training program pre-Christmas because of groin soreness, was managed in his return to the playing field.
“Curtly got through well … and played around a half a game. He’ll continue his progression and be available for (AFL) selection in NAB (Challenge game) three,” Burton said.
Midfielder Brad Crouch is also expected to be fit to play against Gold Coast at Metricon Stadium on March 11.
The Crows have adopted a ‘no-risk’ approach to Crouch’s comeback from adductor soreness.
“Brad Crouch is going along well,” Burton said.
“He’s continuing his progression and, all going to plan, will be available for selection for the NAB (Challenge) three game.”
Forwards Charlie Cameron (knee) and Riley Knight (ankle) have both upped the ante in their recovery.
“Riley Knight is back running. Obviously, we just need to recondition him because he’s been off legs for a while,” Burton said.
“Charlie Cameron is back running also, so he’ll start to build up through his rehab program too.”
The Crows reported no injuries at either AFL or SANFL level on the weekend.
All Australian Brodie Smith failed to finish the game against Fremantle in WA because of illness.
“Brodie went into the game feeling a bit sick and it, obviously, got a little bit worse and it wasn’t worth risking him (in the second half),” Burton said.
“He’s okay today and will be fine to train tomorrow.”
Taylor Walker, Scott Thompson, Sam Jacobs, Eddie Betts and Daniel Talia didn’t make the trip to Mount Barker as part of their pre-season management.
Burton said all five senior players were set to return in Adelaide’s final pre-season hit-out.
“We trained the boys who were rested from an AFL point of view, and they had a good session on Saturday,” he said.
“They’ll obviously all be available for round three (of the NAB Challenge) against Gold Coast.”
