Adelaide defender Tom Doedee is on track for a return to contact training in the new year.

On Tuesday, the Crows leader returned to the Club during the offseason to welcome players, coaches and staff of the Toyota AFL National Inclusion Carnival for a tour of West Lakes.

Once done, Doedee took the opportunity to update Crows fans and Members on his recovery from shoulder surgery. 

“Round Eight or Nine I hurt the shoulder, and it was well-documented towards the end of the year I was a bit banged up,” Doedee said on Wednesday.

“We took every option to avoid surgery but it was inevitable in the end.

“Hopefully I’ll be out of this sling by Thursday, back running in a few days time and back into contact (training) early next year (to) build up for Round One.”

Despite the surgery, Doedee said he was enjoying his offseason break.

“It’s been an interesting one, usually we pack the bags and travel,” Doedee said.

“This year has been a little bit different, I’ve got a new puppy at home who we’re training up.

“We’ve also got some renovations going on and my partner Em has been studying.

Adelaide’s 1-4 year players are due back at training on November 21 with senior players not required until December 5.

Doedee, who has been at the Crows since the end of 2015, said his teammates were raring to go for preseason.

“I’m excited for it,” he said.

“It’s the hardest time of the year in terms of the running and the weather, but we’ve had everyone back in the gym already.

“It feels like we’re already back in some sense, but to have the coaches, staff and players back on one schedule is exciting.”