Adelaide Assistant Coach Nathan van Berlo expects there to be some tough conversations between the selection committee this week, with two key players eyeing a return.

Livewire Izak Rankine has missed the past two matches with a calf injury, but trained strongly over the weekend and was likely to be considered for this weekend’s game against Melbourne.

Defender Mark Keane is also knocking on the door for a recall to the AFL team after two strong performances in the SANFL since his return from a leg injury sustained during pre-season.

Speaking to the media on Monday, van Berlo said the potential selection squeeze was a good problem to have, especially after the Crows’ emphatic 57-point win against the Western Bulldogs last Thursday night.

“(Izak) had a good session over the weekend, and we'll see where it comes up this week of training, but that's the plan for Izak, to get him back in, which would be a welcome addition for us,” van Berlo said.

“(Keane) is getting really close as well. It's always a good, tough conversation to have leading to this week's game in particular, where we've come up with a really strong win at AFL level.

“We've got guys that are going to be putting heat on selection, so we'll have that discussion in the next couple of days and see where it lands, but it's a good sign for us.”

The Crows’ 57-point victory against the Bulldogs at Marvel Stadium was built off a  scintillating first quarter, led by Skipper Jordan Dawson, who finished the match with 32 disposals, seven marks, eight tackles, seven clearances, 20 pressure acts, and three goals.

Van Berlo lauded Dawson’s performance, and that of defender James Borlase, who was becoming a key cog in the backline, recording eight pressure acts, eight spoils, and 15 disposals.

“A lot's been spoken about Dawson at the moment, and justifiably so, because the way that he's performing is beyond the elite,” van Berlo said.

“We're just so proud of the way that he's been able to perform come game day, and the way that he leads behind closed doors is phenomenal. 

“James was awesome on the weekend, I think it was recognised by our players post-game that he's been playing a really important role and was up there with one of his better performances for us on the weekend.

“To be able to see him come in and play a really important role for us with the likes of Mark Keene out of the team and Jordon Butts out on the weekend as well, it leaves a lot up to him, and on the weekend did a great job for us.”

Adelaide faces Melbourne at Adelaide Oval this Saturday at 12.45pm.

Tickets available here.