Adelaide veteran Scott Thompson may be used in defence at times next year, with spots in the Crows’ midfield to be hotly contested.
Crows coach Don Pyke said Thompson, who will be 34 at the start of Round One, was willing to take on whatever task was best for the team.
"We're talking to Scott about maybe using him in another role as well, across half-back," Pyke told reporters on Wednesday.
"It's not something we expect he's going to be 100 per cent at half-back, but it just gives us some flexibility.
"It's unlikely we'll see him play 22 games for us next year.
"Whether that's through resting or other (decisions), we'll wait and see how it all pans out."
Playing Thompson at half-back would allow Rory Laird or Brodie Smith to potentially pinch-hit in the midfield.
Thompson signed a one-year deal with the Crows to extend his 307-game career into a 17th season.
He played 22 out of a possible 24 games in 2016.
Thompson faces competition from young midfielders Riley Knight, Cam Ellis-Yolmen and Harrison Wigg to retain his spot, while draftees Jordan Gallucci and Myles Poholke are also waiting in the wings.
"It might give him another string to his bow," Pyke said of Thompson spending time in the backline.
"His priority is to get himself in the best shape.
"He's a true professional, he's been doing this for a long time and he's a competitive animal who wants to compete for a spot."
Thompson didn't take part in Wednesday's open training session at Football Park.
Forwards Josh Jenkins (ankle) and Tom Lynch (knee) also left the ground early as they continue to be eased back on individual programs after minor surgeries in the off-season.
Heading into his second season in charge of the Crows, Pyke is keen to challenge his players to see what other roles they can play.
"I think we can explore which guys can help in other areas or give us some flexibility in that landscape," Pyke said.
"I don't know if they're all going to pan out.
"It's not like we're tossing the board and the magnets up every week."
The Crows have their final training session of the year on Friday before returning on January 9 after the end-of-year break.
