Sam Shaw has returned to Adelaide’s senior list and will make his long-awaited return from injury with the Glenelg reserves this weekend.

Shaw, 22, was placed on the long-term injury list after tearing his hamstring at training in early-April.

The Club adopted a cautious approach with Shaw, who missed a chunk of the pre-season because of knee tendonitis. The 2012 NAB Rising Star nominee has completed a fortnight of full training and will return to the playing field on Sunday, named at centre half-forward for the Bays reserves.

Shaw established his place in the Crows team last season, making his AFL debut in Round Four and playing a total of 14 matches. His year came to a cruel end when he strained his hamstring in Adelaide’s Semi-Final win over Fremantle.

Read more about Sam Shaw’s road to recovery in Slowly but Shawly and Shaw’s forward thinking

Promoted rookie Rory Laird took the injured Shaw’s place on Adelaide’s senior list. Laird remains on the senior list and eligible for selection after being named as the replacement for Taylor Walker, who was placed on the long-term injury list after rupturing his ACL.