He was forced to sit on the sidelines last weekend but young leader Tom Doedee is raring to get back on the ground.
Doedee missed the Crows’ match against West Coast due to the AFL’s concussion protocol but was given the green light to return for this weekend’s battle with Hawthorn.
Speaking to AFC Media on Friday, the 24-year-old hoped to help the team put out a strong performance on Saturday night.
“I’m feeling good, no real (concussion) symptoms hanging around, it was more just making sure I ticked off all the boxes in the protocol, which I did,” Doedee said.
“Once you go through a long-term injury, missing any game hurts... it’s never fun.
“My mindset when I get injured is just do all I can to get back and play because it’s so much better being out there than watching.”
Doedee said the side would need to be at its best to beat the Hawks.
“They’ve still got that trademark Hawthorn fight about them,” Doedee said.
“We are going to have to be on our toes, especially the mids and the high half-backs covering their outlet kicks, that’s going to be the most important part, and then the mids getting it done inside (the contest).”
Players and staff have endured a whirlwind week, travelling to Melbourne on Tuesday following the SA Government’s announcement of a seven-day lockdown.
Victoria is also in the midst of a lockdown but film and television buff Doedee said players were able to keep themselves occupied.
“I try not to binge shows just because I don’t think it’s the right way to watch TV, you need to let the episodes marinate in your brain a little bit,” Doedee said.
“I’ve been trying to get a hit of the Sopranos everyday to keep that train rolling but I might have to jump on Twitter soon and get some more suggestions from people.”
And Doedee had a special message for fans in lockdown in SA.
“We are gutted we can’t be playing in front of you guys,” Doedee said.
“Our fans have been unbelievable and (the) ideal situation is that we can get back and play in front of everyone.”
Adelaide is set to play Hawthorn at Marvel Stadium on Saturday evening, with first bounce at 7.10pm (ACST).
