The Crows have picked their teams for Wednesday’s intra-club match with 42 players set to pull on the boots in the warm-up to the Club’s opening round NAB Cup matches against Carlton and Port Adelaide at AAMI Stadium on February 26.

The intra-club trial, which will be played behind locked gates, will consist of four 20-minute quarters.

Only six players, Ben Rutten (plantar fascia), Chris Knights (hamstring), Brodie Martin (hamstring), Jason Porplyzia (corked leg), Lewis Johnston (corked leg) and Brodie Smith (calf) have been ruled out of the full-scale hit-out.

Coach Brenton Sanderson said the Club was pleased to have such a large number of players available for the trial game.

“The list is really healthy, which is a great sign with round one only six weeks away,” Sanderson told afc.com.au.

“I’m not sure the Club’s ever had 42 players available for an intra-club before, so touch wood it stays that way.”

The intra-club game will be closed to the public and media.

“While we understand our members and supporters will be disappointed they won’t be able to come along on Wednesday and watch the boys in action, we’ve made significant changes to the way we play over the pre-season,” Sanderson said.

“If playing our internal trial behind closed doors helps us gain any advantage over the competition in the NAB Cup, leading into round one I think it’s been a worthwhile exercise.

“We hope to see all our fans at AAMI Stadium cheering us on in the first round of the NAB Cup next weekend.”

Of the injured players, Smith, Porplyzia, Martin and Johnston are all expected to be fit for the Crows’ NAB Cup clash with the Power and Blues.

Knights’ hamstring is likely to keep him sidelined for two weeks.

Physical performance manager Stephen Schwerdt said Rutten, who is aiming to play against Gold Coast at Metricon Stadium in round one, was progressing well from foot surgery.

“It’s hard to know because ‘Truck’s’ not running yet, but so far so good,” Schwerdt said.

“He starts cross-training on Wednesday.

“That involves a bit of weight bearing, so it will be a good guide as to where he’s at.

“Of the other guys not playing the internal trial … Brodie Smith (calf) would probably play if the game was for premiership points.

“Lewis and ‘Porps’ just have corkies.

“Brodie Martin’s had a sore hamstring, but is just about ready to go. “

Wednesday’s internal trial marks the official end of the Club’s pre-season training program.