YOUNG Crow Patrick Dangerfield has been cleared of neck fractures but will remain in hospital for further scans after Sunday's bruising encounter with Melbourne.

Dangerfield was taken from the MCG to Richmond's Epworth Hospital after being crunched into the ground by a Demon gang-tackle. A CT scan also found no evidence of nerve damage.

Adelaide coach Neil Craig joined the call for the AFL to introduce substitutes after his side was decimated by injuries in its third consecutive loss.

Adelaide was without Trent Hentschel, Nathan Bock, Dangerfield and Kurt Tippett in the final quarter as Melbourne recorded a 16-point win.

All four players are in serious doubt for the must-win clash against Carlton at AAMI Stadium next Saturday.

“Here you have another game where you have had four guys who could not come back on the ground,” Craig said after the game.

“I don’t necessary think it was good for the occupational health and safety for the players on the ground when we can’t bring people off.

“I’m sure it is an issue they will look at.”

Nathan Bock suffered a left hamstring injury, while Kurt Tippett - despite desperate attempts to get back on the ground - could not shake off a left ankle sprain.

Key forward Trent Hentschel did not return to the field after quarter time with a knee injury. Craig said Hentschel suffering swelling to the same knee that required a reconstruction several years ago.

“It seems it was a similar injury that happened to him last year when he increased the intensity of his workload at training," Craig said. "There was some bleeding internally which he got last year and the same thing happened today."

But Craig was confident of regaining some players with Graham Johncock, Jonathon Griffin, Nathan Van Berlo and Scott Stevens all in contention.

Craig also tipped emergencies Shaun McKernan and Tony Armstrong to push their case for selection this week.