Leaders Taylor Walker and Rory Sloane face fitness tests ahead of Friday night’s blockbuster against Sydney.
Walker (toe) and Sloane (knee) both came from the ground for medical assessment during Adelaide’s win over Essendon on Saturday night, but returned to play out the game.
Crows General Manager of High Performance Matt Hass said Walker jarred his toe in a marking contest.
“He (Walker) was assessed by the doctors (during the game) and sent back out. Pleasingly, he was able to finish the match, which is always a good sign,” Hass said.
“He’ll be doing everything he can to be fit for Friday night, but he’ll be a ‘test’ for later in the week.”
Sloane tweaked his knee when an opponent landed across his leg during the kicking action.
“He (Sloane) has pulled up pretty well early in the week,” Hass said.
“He’ll need to get through main training on Wednesday to be available (for selection) and will be a ‘test’ for this weekend as well.”
Defender Kyle Hartigan and midfielder Curtly Hampton also hope to prove their fitness this week.
Hartigan, 25, has been sidelined for a fortnight after suffering a reoccurrence of a hamstring injury in Adelaide’s SANFL clash with Glenelg at Bordertown.
Hampton, who was injured against the Brisbane Lions in Round Nine, has recovered from ankle surgery.
The agile onballer made his AFL Crows debut in the opening round and played the first nine games.
Hass said Hartigan and Hampton had made excellent recoveries.
“They’ll both play this weekend in the SANFL should they get through main training,” he said.
If Hampton, who has been on the long-term injury list, is cleared to play he’ll be returned to Adelaide’s primary squad.
Swingman Andy Otten is set to miss this week after spraining his ankle at training.
Promising draftee Elliott Himmelberg could swap places with Hampton on the long-term injury list.
Himmelberg, 19, has missed nearly a month because of a foot complaint.
“With only a few games remaining in the SANFL season, we’ve decided to take no risks with Elliott,” Hass said.
“Being a first-year player, we’ve put him on ice for the rest of the year and will build him up bigger and better for next year.”
In positive news, young ruckman Reilly O’Brien made a successful return from a back injury in Adelaide’s SANFL win over North Adelaide on Saturday.
Injury list as of Tuesday, August 15
Taylor Walker (toe) – Test
Rory Sloane (knee) – Test
Kyle Hartigan (hamstring) – Test
Curtly Hampton (ankle) – Test
Andy Otten (ankle) – 1 week
Elliott Himmelberg (foot) – Season
Cam Ellis-Yolmen (knee) – Season
