Rory Sloane could make a return from a fractured cheekbone against Gold Coast on Saturday.
Sloane, 25, fractured his cheekbone for the second time in Adelaide’s Round 13 win over the Brisbane Lions at the Gabba. The 2013 Crows Club Champion has been able to participate in non-contact drills for the past fortnight and will increase his training load this week, in a bid to play against the resurgent Suns.
Head of Football David Noble said Sloane would work closely with the Club’s medical team.
“Rory Sloane is really doing everything he can this week to get back in,” Noble said.
“He’ll continue to work with our medical staff, but we’ve got him down as a ‘test’ this week. There is some chance that he may be back, fingers crossed.”
All Australian defender Daniel Talia will adhere to concussion protocols after being subbed out of Adelaide’s thrilling Showdown win on Sunday.
Talia suffered an accidental head knock in a marking contest in the second quarter and took no further part in the game.
“It was pleasing to see that he (Talia) was up and about after the game,” Noble said.
“He’ll follow the normal protocols with concussion. We know that with concussions they’re all individually-based, so we’ll just see how that progresses through the week.”
The reliable backman was the only new injury reported at either level on the weekend.
Sam Jacobs was poked in the eye in the final quarter against Port Adelaide, but returned to the field.
“The doc gave him some eyewash and we were able to get him back out there. He’ll be fine this week, there’s no issue or long-term effects for Sam with that one,” Noble said.
Draftee Mitch McGovern will face a fitness test ahead of the Club’s SANFL clash with West Adelaide on Sunday. McGovern has missed the past month with a knee complaint.
Midfielder Mitch Grigg and defender Kyle Cheney made successful returns from injury in Adelaide’s big SANFL win over North Adelaide on the weekend.
Injury List as of Monday, July 20
Rory Sloane (cheekbone) – Test
Daniel Talia (concussion) – Test
Mitch McGovern (knee) – Test
Brad Crouch (foot) – 5-7 weeks
Harry Dear (shoulder) – TBA
Matthew Jaensch (knee) – Season
Brent Reilly (fractured skull) – retired
