Adelaide will take no risk with key defender Nick Murray, as Senior Coach Matthew Nicks refuses to rush him back into the AFL side.
A knee injury had kept Murray on the sidelines until he made his return to competitive football through the Crows’ SANFL side a fortnight ago.
The 24-year-old recorded 17 disposals and five marks in his first game back - against Central District - before amassing 16 possessions and six marks in the victory against North Adelaide last week.
But speaking to the media on Thursday, Nicks said the defender would be given as much time as he needed to get his body ready for the rigors of AFL.
Nicks said Murray was an important piece of the Crows’ backline but his long-term future was the top priority.
“He’s feeling great, the weekend was the best he felt, and I’m sure each week that goes by he’s going to feel better and better,” Nicks said.
“(But) there will be no rush around Nick Murray coming back in at an AFL level until he feels and we feel confident that he’s ready for the speed of the game.
“He was great (in the SANFL) on the weekend, he played in a really strong team performance and and the most important part of that was he felt great - he felt balanced, he felt strong - his knee was the best it has been.
“When we talk about risk v reward, we won’t be taking the risk to fast-track that - it won’t be this week, but it may be the week after, depending on how he goes. He’ll be one we don’t put a timeframe on, we’ll just continue to work through it.”
Adelaide faces Melbourne at Adelaide Oval this Sunday afternoon and is coming off a 68-point win against Richmond.
The result propelled the Crows into third spot on the ladder but Nicks said the side would be wary of the Demons’ weapons.
“There’s a lot of talent and experience in that (Melbourne) group,” Nicks said.
“(Kossie Pickett’s) impact on games really moves the needle for the Demons.
“But I think it would be a mistake to lock in on just one (player).
“When the game is there to be won, Gawny steps up, he’s a fantastic leader.
“We’ll have our work cut out for us this week.”
Adelaide will name a squad of 26 on Thursday at 5.50pm, before cutting it to a 23-man team on Friday afternoon.
The Crows face off against the Demons at Adelaide Oval on Sunday at 2.45pm.
Tickets available here.
