Curtly Hampton is in line to play his first Crows game for premiership points in Saturday’s SANFL clash with Sturt at Thebarton Oval.
Hampton, 23, played one pre-season practice match before he was sidelined with Plantar Fasciitis in his foot. The former GWS Giant required surgery in April after the injury failed to respond to a period of rest.
Hampton returned to full training last month and has been building fitness in preparation for his Crows debut.
Paul Seedsman is also likely to be available after overcoming a hamstring injury sustained in the lead-up to Adelaide’s Round 14 clash with North Melbourne. The long-kicking Crow has missed the Club’s last two games.
Jonathon Beech is another looking to make a comeback this weekend. A quad complaint has kept the rookie out of Adelaide’s previous two SANFL matches.
Crows General Manager of High Performance Brett Burton said the trio needed to tick the final few boxes at training this week.
“(They’re the) three guys that we’re looking forward to returning this week if they get through a full week of training,” Burton said.
“Paul Seedsman with that hamstring has been training well, Jono Beech with that quad also, and Curtly Hampton, which is obviously good because he hasn’t been able to play for the Adelaide footy club yet.
“We’re looking forward to him getting through the week and being available to play.”
Adelaide escaped without any new injuries in Sunday’s win over Melbourne, but was not as lucky in Saturday’s SANFL victory over North Adelaide.
Forward/ruckman Luke Lowden limped from the field with a hamstring strain early in the second term.
“Unfortunately, we had Luke Lowden who came out of the game early in the second quarter with a minor hamstring,” Burton said.
“We’ve assessed that already and he’ll be the standard couple of weeks with that hamstring strain.”
Troy Menzel will be assessed in line with normal concussion protocols as he recovers from a hit against Central District a fortnight ago.
Riley Knight, who has a nerve irritation in his ankle, is being assessed on a weekly basis while Nathan van Berlo continues to progress in his rehabilitation from a foot injury.
Sam Shaw will also continue to be monitored closely as he recovers from concussion symptoms.
Injury list as of Monday, July 4
Jono Beech (quad soreness) – Test
Paul Seedsman (hamstring) – Test
Curtly Hampton (foot) – Test
Troy Menzel (concussion) – Test
Riley Knight (ankle) – Assess
Sam Shaw (concussion) – Assess
Luke Lowden (hamstring) – 2-3 weeks
Nathan van Berlo (foot) – 3-5 weeks
