Veteran forward Taylor Walker says the Crows could welcome back a number of key players for Showdown 59 against Port Adelaide on Friday night.
Young duo Jake Soligo (39 disposals and two goals), and Dan Curtin (18 disposals and six marks), returned from injury in the SANFL last week and both impressed, putting them in the frame for an AFL recall.
Soligo and Curtin are not the only reinforcements that could be brought in, as Walker explained there’s a number of players putting their hand up to face the Power in the Crows’ home Showdown.
“They (Curtin and Soligo) will certainly be on the board this week (as potential inclusions),” Walker told Roo, Ditts and Loz on Triple M Adelaide Breakfast.
“So there’s those two, Fog might be a chance to come in, (James) Borlase had another great game in the back half, Sid Draper is starting to hit his straps and we’ve got Alex Neal-Bullen to come back this week.
“Then the likes of (Callum) Ah Chee and (Mitch) Hinge aren’t too far away as well - over the next few weeks we’ll definitely get some players back.”
Adelaide will be hoping it can bounce back against its crosstown rival after a disappointing 52-point loss to Brisbane at The Gabba on Sunday afternoon.
It was the Crows’ biggest loss since Round 20, 2024, and Walker said the group had identified two key areas that led to the heavy defeat.
“We were quite disappointed, we were with them at half-time and then obviously fell away quite a bit in the second half, which was really disappointing,” Walker said.
“We had a quick little review post game so we can get on the horse as we’ve got a short break, but I thought our contest work was poor and we couldn’t defend them.
“We were pretty ordinary in all facets of the game to be honest, I’m not sure why but we’re over it and really looking forward to a big Showdown on Friday night.”
As the Crows search to find their best form, Walker said the key to turning their fortunes around would be greater consistency in all aspects of the game.
“We’re nowhere near the product we want to be at the moment, that's for sure,” Walker said.
“We’re definitely talking about it, but now it’s time for us to execute what we need to do and put a four quarter effort together.
“We’re as disappointed as everyone else, we’re trying to fix it, we’re not sitting on our heels and burying our heads and not talking about it - hopefully this week against Port we can get our season going.”
Adelaide takes on Port Adelaide at Adelaide Oval this Friday night, with the match to begin at 7.40pm (ACST).
Fans can watch the game live on Channel 7 Adelaide and Fox Footy/Kayo, or attend by purchasing a Crows membership.
