Adelaide veteran Rory Laird expects teammate Josh Rachele to “put his best foot forward” as he vies for selection ahead of the Crows’ semi-final against Hawthorn.

Rachele has not played since tearing the posterior capsular in his left knee along with sustaining a bone compression injury in Round 17 against Melbourne.

But he has since recovered and reintegrated into main training.

Speaking to the media on Monday, Laird expected Rachele’s potential return to create a solid discussion ahead of selection on Thursday night.

“He’s (Rachele) tracking really well,” Laird said

“I’m glad I’m not in the match committee, there’s a few decisions to make this week, but I think he’s progressed really well over the past few weeks.

“It’s not my decision but he’ll be out there training tomorrow and he’ll put his best foot forward.

“It will be quite an extensive, lengthy discussion.”

The Crows will be looking to bounce back following a qualifying final loss to Collingwood on Friday night.

Only seven Adelaide players - including Laird, Captain Jordan Dawson, Taylor Walker, Brodie Smith, Alex Neal-Bullen, as well as former GWS pair Isaac Cumming and James Peatling - had lined up in an AFL final before Thursday night’s clash.

Laird said the Crows would be better for Friday night’s experience and were ready for the Hawks.

“It’s very fortunate we get to play again, on a Friday night in the same sort of timeslot, another massive club that comes over and is in some really good form,” Laird said.

“Now that we’ve done it, we can move on and start preparing for Hawthorn.

“We’ve played a final now, and we understand somewhat of the expectation and the atmosphere, so we can go out and execute this week.”

Adelaide and Hawthorn met twice during the minor round, with the Hawks prevailing by three points in Tasmania in Round 14, before the Crows enjoyed a 14-point triumph in Round 21 at home.

"We match up well, and they match up well with us," Laird said.

"The last game was very even and their form has continued to roll and they've played some really strong footy.

"I can only imagine what it's going to be like – very similar to Collingwood with their pressure, and they have got some stars and some X-factor."

Adelaide will name its team for the clash on Thursday at 5.50pm.

The Crows face the Hawks at Adelaide Oval on Friday at 7.10pm.