Ruckman Sam Jacobs will be given until late in the week to prove his fitness ahead of Adelaide’s clash with Fremantle at Domain Stadium on Sunday.
Jacobs missed the Club’s win over the Brisbane Lions because of an ankle injury. It was the first game the durable 28-year-old has missed since 2012, ending his streak of 93 consecutive matches.
Promoted rookie Reilly O’Brien stepped up in his mentor’s absence, collecting 29 hit-outs, 16 possessions, four clearances and a goal on debut.
General Manager of High Performance Brett Burton said Jacobs was a chance to make the trip west.
“We’ve got the eight-day break this week, which gives him a bit more time,” he said.
“He’s progressing well, but we’ll make a call on him later in the week.”
Wingman Paul Seedsman was forced from the ground late in the first quarter of Adelaide’s clash with the Lions because of a corked buttock. Seedsman is also rated as a ‘test’ to play Fremantle.
Veteran midfielder Scott Thompson and young forward Mitch McGovern are available for selection after being 'managed' last weekend.
The Crows could also be bolstered by the returns of another four players from injury.
Ricky Henderson, Andy Otten (thumb), Riley Knight (ankle) and Nathan van Berlo (foot) are all closing in on comebacks.
Henderson has been sidelined for a fortnight with Achilles soreness, while Otten has missed a month because of a dislocated thumb.
Van Berlo has battled Plantar Fasciitis since mid-season, and Knight hasn’t played at any level since May after developing a nerve irritation in his ankle.
Burton said the Club was excited to welcome back the experienced quartet.
“With the SANFL bye (on the weekend), those guys have had a bit of extra time to rehab their injuries,” he said.
“We’re looking forward to them training fully during the week and they’re all a chance to play on the weekend.”
Rookie Keenan Ramsey is progressing well in his recovery from an ankle injury, but is likely to be sidelined for another fortnight.
Adelaide’s SANFL team takes on Norwood at The Parade on Saturday afternoon.
Injury list as of Monday, August 8
Sam Jacobs (ankle) – Test
Paul Seedsman (corked buttock) – Test
Ricky Henderson (Achilles) – Test
Andy Otten (thumb) – Test
Nathan van Berlo (foot) – Test
Riley Knight (ankle) – Test
Keenan Ramsey (ankle) – 2 weeks
