Pre-season in a nutshell

A freak knee injury to All Australian defender Daniel Talia – sustained rolling over in bed - has been the blip on an otherwise perfect pre-season for the Crows. Talia should be ready for round one.

Midfielder Brad Crouch has overcome a minor foot injury and looks primed for a big season.

Injury list

Hugh Greenwood: Has been on a modified program with an abdominal tendon injury and is yet to rejoin the main group but is getting through plenty of running. However, the midfielder should be available for the start of the season.

Kyle Hartigan: The key defender had surgery on both knees at the end of last season. He is increasing his training loads and should rejoin the main group next week.

Andrew McPherson: It's been a slow and steady build-up for the second-year defender, who has been managing a groin issue. Getting through plenty of running at training, but there is no timeline on his return. Missed most of last season with groin and hamstring injuries.

Daniel Talia: The All Australian key defender has returned to training after having knee surgery in December. Still has his left thumb strapped after reconstructive surgery at the end of last season. Could play in the Crows' second JLT game and on track for round one.

Intraclub: None, but an under-23 Crows team will play Port Adelaide's under-23s on Saturday, February 23 at Thebarton Oval.

Playing AFLX: Eddie Betts (Deadly, captain), Cam Ellis-Yolmen (Deadly), Rory Laird (Flyers), Rory Sloane (Rampage).

JLT schedule: Port Adelaide, The Memorial Oval, Port Pirie, Saturday March 2, 3.40pm ACDT; Greater Western Sydney, UNSW Canberra Oval, Friday March 8, 7.10pm AEDT. - Lee Gaskin