KEY ADELAIDE defender Ben Rutten has limped from Crows training on Monday, throwing into doubt his return from a foot injury.
 
Rutten, who missed the Crows' undefeated run through the NAB Cup, had surgery on an injured foot during the pre-season.
 
The full-back appeared to land awkwardly on the same foot during training as the Crows prepare to face Gold Coast on Saturday.
 
The Crows confirmed the incident, tweeting: "Ben Rutten left the track early today. Soreness in same foot, but not same spot as surgery, so have to wait and see how he pulls up."
 
Young midfielder Rory Sloane said the absence of Rutten for the club's round-one clash would be a blow, but that there was a host of other defenders ready to take his place.
 
"We haven't had him so far at all throughout the pre-season games," Sloane said.
 
"We've got Daniel Talia, Sam Shaw's really stepped up over the last four or five games and even blokes like Ricky Henderson, Andy Otten can all play those tall roles."
 
Despite Shaw having yet to officially debut, Sloane said he was ready to fill the void left by Rutten, should the 28-year-old's injured foot keep him out of Saturday's match.  
 
"Sam Shaw's been out here training against 'Tippo' (Kurt Tippett), 'Tex' (Taylor) Walker, 'Shaunie Mac' (Shaun McKernan) who have all been, as you've seen, in good form as well," he said.
 
"Those last four games, he's played so well, that I reckon he can just roll on through now, especially after taking on some big guys against West Coast."
 
As well as Rutten's likely unavailability, there will also be intense competition for spots due to the Crows' healthy injury list, which Sloane views as a positive.
 
"We haven't really been in this position, I know since I've been here and probably a bit before that as well," Sloane said of Adelaide's short injury list.
 
"It will be interesting to see how they (omitted players) handle it.
 
"It'll test their character ... because it will be tough for them."
 
Sloane has been promoted to the club's leadership group for season 2012 and said the experience had already turned him into a better player.
 
He said he had taken several younger players under his wing during the pre-season.
 
"It's really helped my development," he said.
 
"I think my communication levels out at training and on the ground have definitely gotten better.
 
"There's a lot to learn off younger blokes as well I reckon."
 
Harry Thring covers Adelaide news for AFL.com.au. Follow him on Twitter: @AFL_Harry.
 
Ben Rutten is a $280,500 defender in Toyota AFL Dream Team. Register your team here