Adelaide will need to make at least three changes to its team for the clash against Carlton this weekend, with Mitch Hinge (suspension), Nick Murray (knee), and Matt Crouch (hip) to miss the game.
But Crows Senior Coach Matthew Nicks is backing the Club’s depth, with the State League team having a 3-1 win/loss record.
Speaking to the media on Wednesday, Nicks said there were players ready to come in ahead of the Round Eight team selection.
“We will miss these guys, it changes our connection and the cohesion we have,” Nicks said.
“(But) we have guys knocking on the door wanting to play, so that’s a positive. The guys playing (in the SANFL) are playing some good footy.
“We’ve got some guys who are ready to step up, guys who have already had a little bit of it this year, we’ll train today, we’ll train hard, and make the decisions from there.”
The Club revealed on Wednesday that Crouch was facing four to six weeks on the sidelines with a hip injury, while Murray was set for an arthroscope on his reconstructed left knee.
Nicks said injuries were part of footy and a squad mentality was needed for when they occurred.
“We look at that a lot, how we are getting these injuries, there are some that you can’t avoid,” Nicks said.
“There are contact injuries that happen in a game… the injuries will come and it’s about where they come and how they come.
“It’s more about the belief in our group and the depth of our group. We back in our list and our squad that we are a lot stronger than we have been in the past, you have injuries, it’s inevitable.
“We know it’s going to affect us slightly… (but) we are confident we are going to be able to perform still, at a high level.”
Nicks was hopeful of regaining forward Darcy Fogarty, who missed the Anzac Day match against Fremantle due to a shoulder injury.
He was also giving Riley Thilthorpe every chance to play, despite suffering a dislocated finger in the game against the Dockers.
“Darcy is moving really well, which is a great sign for us,” Nicks said.
“Hopefully he can get through training, for Darce we are confident he’s going to be OK.
“And with Riley, we are pretty confident with him as well. He won’t train today, there’s obviously a fair bit that’s gone on with his finger.
“In a way we are pleased with the result, considering what it could’ve been, he was able to come on and play the game out, he’s a tough lad, so good luck stopping him playing.”
The Crows will name their team for the Carlton game on Thursday at 5.50pm (ACST).
Adelaide faces the Blues at Adelaide Oval on Saturday at 3.45pm.
Tickets available here.
