THERE were a few puzzled onlookers at Adelaide’s training session at AAMI Stadium on Wednesday after the entire group headed up the race halfway through the scheduled two-hour session.

But the Crows, much to the delight of autograph-hunting kids, returned to the track 15 minutes later and, after a quick stretch, resumed full-scale drills.

Later, captain Simon Goodwin revealed the leadership group had suggested introducing a ‘half time’ break during training to better simulate match conditions.

"I think it’s important that when you restart any quarter, whether it be half time or three-quarter time, that you have a break and then come out and keep that intensity up," Goodwin said.

"We’ll practise it for maybe one, two, three weeks or the whole season. If we can keep practising it and doing it well, it might be an edge we can get."

Adelaide has produced reasonably good starts to quarters this season, but Goodwin said it was an area that needed improvement.

"We think it's important that we start well in all situations, whether it be the start of the game, or coming off, having a break and then doing it all again.

"During the break we came in, got a drink, had a bit of a rub down and then Craigy (coach Neil Craig) addressed us and showed us some vision, so it was very similar to game day.

"It’s an aspect of the game we think is really important and worth practising."

Midfielder Chris Knights joined in the training session and looks set to resume after overcoming a nagging quad strain.

"Chris has had six weeks out, but in that time he’s done a lot of work," Goodwin said.

"We’d feel really comfortable if Chris came straight into the team, but that’s up to the selectors."

Former Kangaroo Brad Moran (finger) has also been cleared to play in the SANFL this weekend, but North Adelaide duo Nick Gill (hamstring) and Greg Gallman (knee) will miss.

The Crows will head over the border to tackle Carlton on Saturday and, for several youngsters, the clash will be their first time on the MCG.

Adelaide hasn’t played at the venue since falling to Melbourne in round 10 last season and Goodwin said the players were looking forward to playing on the famous ground.

"Our record is pretty reasonable at the 'G and we enjoy playing there," he said.

"Carlton is a side that is really developing and they are starting to play some attractive footy. They have some quality players in their side and it’s a game where we’ll have to be at our best to win.

"We’re back at the MCG, a great ground, and it’s an exciting day for the footy club.

"I think we’re expecting to be wet and windy, so it might not be attractive.

"But you’ve got two teams that are trying to play an attractive, attacking style of footy, so you never know what the game could produce."