Promising young Crow Wayne Milera Junior is likely to miss a fortnight with a quad injury.

Milera, 18, experienced quad soreness in the final quarter of Adelaide’s win over Sydney last weekend. Scans have revealed a slight strain, which is expected to see the composed wingman sidelined for two weeks.

Coach Don Pyke said it was only a minor setback for Milera, who has played the opening four games of his debut AFL season.

“Wayne’s come in and, as you’ve seen, provides a real energy and some spark,” Pyke said.

“To miss him for the week is disappointing for him, but as I’ve said all along we don’t rely on any individual.

“Whoever comes in will take over that role and put a good performance on the board, I’m sure.”

Forwards Charlie Cameron and Riley Knight are among the contenders to replace Milera in the Crows team to play Hawthorn at the MCG on Friday night.

Knight played 12 games last season, including Adelaide’s two finals. The hard-running half-forward received a late call-up against Richmond in Round Three, but was squeezed out of the side to make way for the return of Tom Lynch last week.

Cameron, who played 22 AFL matches in 2015, is yet to make an appearance at senior level this season. 

The dangerous goalkicker had an interrupted start to the year because of knee surgery, but has played three SANFL games, including a four-goal haul in his most recent outing.

Pyke said either player could slot back into the AFL team this week.

“That (Cameron for Milera) is one option. Knight played (AFL) two weeks ago, so he’s in there as well. There are a few different options at match committee,” Pyke said.

“We had a (SANFL) bye last week which wasn’t ideal in terms of preparation. Charlie’s game the week before that against Woodville-West Torrens was really strong. He’s back playing the way we know Charlie can play, which is pleasing.”

Adelaide has only two players, Milera and Curtly Hampton (foot) unavailable for selection this week, while Brad Crouch will need to prove he’s recovered from a hamstring complaint to be considered.

Pyke said the Club was currently in a fortunate position at the selection table.

“We’ve got a number of guys performing really well in our SANFL side, but our AFL side is performing well," he said.

"It’s important the guys in the SANFL still continue to press their claims and play really strong footy, which they have been. History tells me we’ll need them at some stage during the year, and we want them in good form when the opportunity presents.”

After playing the opening two games of the season, Crouch has been sidelined for a fortnight with a minor hamstring strain. Pyke said the Club was yet to make a call on his availability this week.

“We’ll wait and see with Brad,,” he said.

“Whether we play him this week, or give him another week we’ll assess after we’ve had a run tomorrow. It’s obviously not ideal for him. He’d prefer to be available and playing. 

"He had a really solid start to the year after a little hiccup, but we’ve just got to look at the big picture. We’ve got a guy we think is going to be a player for us for a number of years and we’ve got to manage him accordingly.”

Pyke also confirmed that recruit Troy Menzel was starting to press his case for a spot in the potent forward line.

Menzel, who played 40 games for Carlton before joining the Crows, has been among the best players in the SANFL over the past few weeks.

“Troy is starting to push up,” Pyke said.

“Some of his recent form has been good. He’s starting to play the style of footy that we want him to play at SANFL level, so he’s making good progress.”