ADELAIDE Strategy and Innovation Coach Dean Bailey has returned home in good spirits during ongoing treatment in his battle against cancer.

But the Crows remain uncertain when Bailey can resume his role with the club. The former Melbourne coach and Essendon player was diagnosed with a form of chest cancer last November.

The Crows will start their 2014 campaign with General Manager of List Development and Strategy David Noble filling Bailey's match-day role in the coaching box.

"Dean is at home currently, he has been through some treatment over the last several weeks," Noble said on Tuesday.

"I popped around and saw him on Saturday and I know a couple of the other guys called through and said g'day. He's in really good spirits. It is great that he's able to be at home at the moment with his family.

"All our support is with him at the moment and we really look forward to the time that he can get back to work."

Bailey, who joined the Crows for the 2012 season after being sacked as Melbourne's head coach the previous year, fell ill in late November. He was hospitalised and the underlying form of fluid in his left lung was found to be a form of chest cancer.

Noble said the Crows would have to cover three main roles performed by Bailey: development of young players, his match day duties in the coaching box, and strategic planning.

"I will move back into the box temporarily ... and from a development perspective, we have been able to share the workload," Noble said.