Vince hasn’t played since being slapped with a club-imposed suspension for staying out beyond a reasonable hour following the club’s loss to North Melbourne in round eight.
The Crows’ reigning best and fairest winner was banned from AFL selection for a week, but his comeback was delayed when he injured his ankle at training.
Porplyzia, who finished runner-up to Vince in the best and fairest award last season, has struggled for form since developing a debilitating pelvic injury over the summer.
An unusually high injury toll at West Lakes has allowed players to hold their spots despite indifferent form this season, but Craig said that could all change as early as this week.
“Jason is under some pressure. Jared Petrenko is under pressure, and we’ve still got to make a decision on Bernie Vince,” Craig said on Friday.
“I don’t think that’s brand-new knowledge, but now that we’ve got some more people playing in the SANFL there is some pressure underneath. We need to make sure we use that (pressure) responsibly.”
Porplyzia and Vince have both been named on an extended bench ahead of Sunday’s clash with the Dees.
Porplyzia narrowly missed out on All-Australian selection in 2009 after topping Adelaide’s goalkicking with 57, but has managed just 13 majors so far this season.
Craig was sympathetic to the skilful forward’s interrupted pre-season, but said that would no longer excuse him for poor form.
“Jason’s pre-season was very limited, but having said that, it’s now round 13, so he’s had a fair bit of work since then. In the end we have to judge people on their form when we’ve got the resources to do so,” Craig said.
The Crows have recalled defender Phil Davis and rookie Matthew Jaensch to the side to take on the Dees.
Jaensch was suspended alongside Vince and Graham Johncock for breaching training and preparation standards last month and has spent the past the past five weeks in the SANFL.
The talented forward/defender missed out on being drafted as an 18-year-old because of an alcohol-related incident at a club function, and was told a repeat of such behaviour wouldn’t be tolerated when he was picked up by the Crows last year.
However, Craig said the Sturt junior had earned another opportunity.
“He wouldn’t want to keep doing it (breaking team rules) … but he’s gone through that. He’s paid a price for it and we don’t want to keep making him pay a price - that’s not what it’s all about,” Craig said.
“It’s done and dusted and now we’ll judge them - like everyone else - on his performances. His form for Sturt in his last game was very good, so he’s in good form and I wasn’t unhappy with him before he made a bad decision.”
Midfielder Scott Thompson (general soreness) got through training on Friday and is also expected to take his place in the Adelaide line-up.
