Crows defender Tom Doedee is nearing a return to competitive football after almost a year on the sidelines with injury.

The 22-year-old, who ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in Round One last year, has progressed into the final stages of his rehabilitation.

Crows Head of Science and Medicine Steve Saunders said Doedee was expected to feature in Adelaide’s Under-23 trial match against Port Adelaide on Saturday, February 29.

“Tom has been accumulating the work loads required to return to AFL football,” Saunders said.

“It was always the plan for him to return for the Under-23 trial game and he is on track for that.”

Adelaide will play its first Marsh Community Series match on Saturday against Melbourne at Casey Fields.

The availability of young Crow Ned McHenry will be assessed later this week after sustaining a knee to his abdominal wall last week which forced him to miss last weekend’s match simulation.

“Ned has completed all training components without contact, but he needs to be cleared for contact before he can be available to play this weekend,” Saunders said.

Forward Riley Knight will miss Saturday’s match with an Achilles’ tendon injury.

“After completing most of the pre-season, Riley will not complete competitive loads for 3-4 weeks,” Saunders said.

Defender Kyle Hartigan is expected to be available for selection after successfully completing his rehabilitation from undergoing ankle surgery in January.