Full-back Ben Rutten remains on track to play in Adelaide’s season-opener against Gold Coast at Metricon Stadium on March 31 after completing a ‘mini training camp’ last weekend.

Rutten, who battled plantar fasciitis in the early stages of the pre-season, had foot surgery to correct the painful condition early last month.

The Crows deputy vice-captain started running in late-February and ramped up his recovery over the weekend with an intensive three-day training block in Melbourne, where he utilised an ‘Alter-G’ anti-gravity treadmill specially designed for athletes recovering from lower-limb injuries.

Physical performance manager Stephen Schwerdt said the purpose of the trip, supervised by Crows’ rehabilitation coordinator Scott Wilson, was to help fast-track Rutten’s recovery.

“Running on the ‘Alter-G’ treadmill is equivalent to running on 70-80 per cent of your body weight, so it’s less stressful on the body but still allows you to work at a high intensity,” Schwerdt told afc.com.au.

“In three days, Ben was able to fit in about a week’s worth of training, which will hopefully accelerate his return to playing.

“Also, just being away for three days and doing nothing but training, he was able to get a lot of other training done in regards to his strength work, injury prevention and skills.”

The only player on Adelaide’s injury list, Rutten will start light football work this week.

“All the signs so far indicate that Ben’s surgery has been a success,” Schwerdt said.

“All being well, he’ll be able to join in main training in the coming fortnight.

“If he keeps progressing as he is, he’s on track to be available for round one if not the week before.”

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