Defender Kyle Cheney hopes to be available for selection this week.

Cheney didn’t play at either level on the weekend because of a sore back, and will need to prove his fitness at training. Crows Head of Football David Noble said the former Hawk and Demon’s injury had been a week-to-week proposition.

“Unfortunately, Kyle’s back has been giving him a little bit of grief over the last couple of weeks, so we’ve kept him out,” Noble said.

“This week, he’s definitely a ‘test’ and fingers crossed he’ll be back.”

Adelaide reported no new injuries in its round of matches. Patrick Dangerfield (lip) and Jake Lever (forehead) received treatment for cuts on Saturday night, but returned to the field to play out the game against West Coast.

Defender Andy Otten and midfielder Sam Kerridge both made successful returns from injury in the SANFL on Saturday. Otten, who is on the comeback from a second knee reconstruction, got through his first game in 11 months unscathed. Kerridge also completed his first match since injuring his ankle in his only AFL appearance of the season against Greater Western Sydney in Round Eight.

Mitch Grigg, who has also been nursing an ankle complaint, is closing in on a comeback and could be fit to play as soon as next week.

“Mitch is progressing really well and probably ahead of schedule, which is great. He’s been really diligent in his rehab,” Noble said.

“We’re increasing his training load and (hope to get him back) in a week or two (at the most).”

Luckless draftee Mitch McGovern will most likely miss another fortnight with a sore knee. Rory Sloane is participating in non-contact training drills while he waits for his second fractured cheekbone of the season to heal. 

Brad Crouch remains in a moon boot as he recuperates from a stress reaction in the foot he fractured in the final match of the NAB Challenge. First-year forward Harry Dear continues to ramp up his recovery from a shoulder reconstruction.

Injury List as of Monday, July 13
Kyle Cheney (back) – Test
Mitch McGovern (knee) – 1-2 weeks
Mitch Grigg (ankle) – 1-2 weeks
Rory Sloane (cheekbone) – 3-5 weeks
Brad Crouch (foot) – 6-7 weeks
Harry Dear (shoulder) – TBA
Matthew Jaensch (knee) – Season
Brent Reilly (fractured skull) – N/A