FRIDAY is firming as the date for Taylor Walker's return to competitive football, with Adelaide hopeful the star forward will receive the all clear from his surgeon.

Walker hasn't played since a horrific injury in round five last year required the 23-year-old to undergo a knee reconstruction.

Crows football manager Phil Harper told AFL.com.au that should everything go plan, Walker will line up for the club's SANFL side this Friday night against Glenelg.

"We're hopeful Taylor will play in the SANFL this weekend but he'll obviously need to be given the OK by the doctor before that can happen," Harper said.

"They'll make that call together, probably on Thursday."

Walker's teammates are equally optimistic that the big forward, who booted 63 goals in 2012, will make his long awaited return this weekend.

Rising Star nominee Matt Crouch said he'd bet on Walker playing in the SANFL on Friday – if he was allowed to, that is.

"Yeah I reckon I would – I'm not betting on it though," Crouch said.

"He's looking good out on the track, he's looking fit, I think he's ready to go and I think you'll see some good things from him this year."

Even if Walker plays on Friday night, it's likely he'd need another game at SANFL level before Brenton Sanderson inserts him into the Crows’ senior line up.

With Tom Lynch back in the side and Andy Otten tipped for selection either this week or next, Walker's return could be the final piece of the puzzle for Sanderson's forward line.