Eddie Betts is impossible to replace, but Crows coach Don Pyke believes Adelaide can cover the goalkicker’s absence in Sunday’s clash with Collingwood at the MCG.

Betts, 30, is recovering after undergoing surgery to remove his appendix and will miss his first match since joining the Crows. The livewire forward played his 100^th consecutive game for the Club in last week’s win over Geelong.

“He’s a unique player and a special player for our footy club and has been since he arrived,” Pyke said.

“Anytime you lose one of your best players and one of the leaders of your footy club it’s a big out. We’re hopeful from an injury viewpoint he’ll be back and available the following week.

“We’ll have a look at that at match committee but we’ve got a few options in that space.”

Brad Crouch (cheekbone) and Jake Lever (hamstring) will join Betts on the sidelines for Sunday’s clash at the MCG.

Defender Kyle Hartigan and wingman Wayne Milera Junior trained fully on Thursday morning and have been cleared to return from injury.

Several Crows could also be considered from the Club’s SANFL side, including forward Jonathon Beech and winger Paul Seedsman.

The former Magpie is yet to play an AFL game this season after a groin injury interrupted his start to the year.

“He’s now got some form under his belt,” Pyke said of Seedsman.

“He’s played the last four or five games at SANFL level after having not played for the first 10 or 12 weeks. He’ll be in the mix as well.”

Collingwood sits in 13^th on the AFL ladder with a 7-10 record but has won its past two matches and completed a stirring comeback victory over West Coast at Etihad Stadium last Sunday.

The Magpies will be without several key players for this week’s clash at the MCG, including captain Scott Pendlebury, but Pyke said Adelaide wouldn’t be underestimating the Magpies come Sunday.

“I rate them very highly to be honest,” Pyke said.

“If you look at their numbers throughout the year, percentage-wise they’re strong and they’ve been in the majority of the games they’ve played.

“(They’re) really solid through the midfield, even with Pendlebury missing, if you go through some of their midfielders and Grundy in the ruck is giving their midfield good first access, a lot of their numbers stack up.

“They’re going to be another good test.”

Sunday’s match will be Adelaide’s third and final trip to the MCG during the home and away season. The Crows notched wins over Hawthorn and Carlton in their most recent games at the venue.

Pyke said it was important his side continued to perform strongly at the ground.

“It’s always great to play at the ‘G. It’s the home of footy and it’s where the action happens in September,” Pyke said.

“It’s just a great venue to play at.

“You come out of the race for an MCG game and have a look around, it’s got a really good feel about it. I know the players are excited to play there and we’ve played well there in the last couple of years.

“There’s no reason why that shouldn’t continue on Sunday.”