Adelaide will be without Brad Crouch for Friday night’s ANZAC Round opener against Hawthorn at the MCG.

The midfielder trained with the SANFL group on Thursday morning after two weeks out with a hamstring injury.

Crouch is a chance to play for the Club’s SANFL team in Sunday’s clash with Glenelg at Gliderol Stadium. The 22-year-old last played in Adelaide’s Round Two Showdown XL victory over Port Adelaide.

Crows midfield assistant Scott Camporeale said the Club wouldn’t risk the onballer at the MCG on Friday night.

“He’ll train with the SANFL (team) after this and we’ll see how he goes,” Camporeale said.

“We’ll see how he gets through training. He’s obviously an important player for us.

“He’s a player that we think can help us long term. With his history, it’s not worth the risk.”

Promising youngster Wayne Milera Junior has already been ruled out of the clash with the reigning premiers. Riley Knight, Charlie Cameron, Cam Ellis-Yolmen and Nathan van Berlo are all in the mix to replace the talented teen.

Camporeale said the Crows were yet to decide if they go for a ‘like for like’ replacement for Milera or consider an alternative option.

“At this stage, it’s 50-50 which way we go,” he said.

“We’ll make a decision after this, and have a look at the balance of the team and make a decision from there.”

Hawthorn is expected to welcome back Josh Gibson from a minor hamstring complaint for Friday night’s blockbuster, but the have already ruled out fellow backman Ryan Schoenmakers.

Defender Ben Stratton is likely to resume hostilities with Crows livewire Eddie Betts. The forward was held goalless for the only time last year in Adelaide’s Semi-Final meeting with the Hawks.

Camporeale backed Betts to respond on Friday night.

“We’d like to think that Eddie can come out and play his normal role,” he said.

“I reckon every player may have a team who they don’t quite get it done (against). Knowing Eddie, how competitive he is, he’ll be looking forward to the challenge.

“If we can help him, we’ll help him. At the end of the day, if Eddie worries about winning the footy and playing the way he plays, I don’t think he’ll have too much to worry about.

“I’m sure Hawthorn will still be worried about Eddie Betts.”