Adelaide Assistant Coach Scott Burns says the majority of the Crows’ current injury list is on track to be available for their Round One clash against Collingwood in eight days’ time.
Aside from Dan Curtin and Mark Keane, who are recovering from respective long-term injuries, the remainder of those who did not play in last week’s practice match featured on the track in some capacity on Friday.
Speaking to the media after the session, Burns gave an update on the Club’s injury situation and how it could shape selection for the clash against Collingwood next Saturday.
“Our boys that are in rehab are all ready to go just about for Round One, asides from the two long term injuries we’ve got to Dan Curtin and Mark Keane,” Burns said.
“The other boys are on target, they had a really good hit-out today, got some k’s in their legs and got through the session well.
“So now it’s just a case of do you take all of them into that first game, or do you manage one or two of them, being mindful we’ve got two six day turnarounds early in the first three weeks.”
The players were put through their paces in a long Friday morning session, highlighted by two quarters of match simulation.
Burns said the players attacked the shortened internal hit-out with a high-intensity, and importantly, came out of it unscathed on the injury front.
“It’s an interesting one, the last session before the weekend off, you always want the boys to crack in which they did, I thought it was quite physical out there today,” Burns said.
“But at the same time, you’ve got your fingers crossed that nothing happens on the injury front, which thankfully it didn’t today.
“Overall I was a really great hit-out for the boys to put a bow on what has been a very solid pre-season.
“There’s no doubt the group is that bit more mature now, you can see that growth from a few years ago to now, there are definitely players you look at and think they are looking better than they did 12 months ago.”
The group was also informed of veteran teammate Rory Laird’s one-year contract extension, which will result in him extending his career into a sixteenth season.
Burns spoke of Laird’s impact on the group and overall legacy as a player.
“We were talking about it as a group before, there’s only been four players in the history of our Club that have been here for over 16 years, so for Lairdy to join the group he should be very proud,” Burns said.
“Starting off as a rookie, to do what he’s done in the game, it’s a credit to his hard work and dedication to his craft and teammates.
“Even what he’s done across the last few years too, moving from a dominant midfielder to the defence and being a very strong presence for us back there both with his performance and guidance of our younger boys.
“He’s a major reason why we’ve been able to be so clean back there and exit the ball so well, and you can see how much he helps the likes of Max Michalanney get better - he’s one of the favourites among the group and we’re so glad to see him signed up for another year.”
The Crows will kick off their 2026 campaign with a clash against Collingwood at the MCG on Saturday, March 14, before their first home game of the year against the Western Bulldogs on Friday, March 20.
