An update on Adelaide’s injured players
Key forward Taylor Walker will test his back at training on Wednesday ahead of selection for Thursday night’s clash with Richmond at Adelaide Oval.
Walker was subbed out of Saturday’s loss to Hawthorn at half-time but has responded well to treatment early this week.
“Tex’s back seized up during the game and he was unable to continue so we subbed him out which was ultimately a good decision,” High Performance Manager Darren Burgess said.
“He’s come up reasonably well and will need to get through training tomorrow in order to put his hand up for selection, but things are looking pretty good.
“It was a very similar issue to last time and he’s been doing really well to manage that, and hopefully he’s able to train tomorrow and play.”
The news isn’t as good for midfielder Matt Crouch who is facing an extended stint on the sidelines with the All-Australian and Club Champion set for shoulder surgery this week.
“Unfortunately, Crouchy injured his AC joint in a collision which means he needs surgery,” Burgess said.
“He’s been really consistent for us so it’s really disappointing for him and the team, but Crouchy has overcome some hurdles to play that consistent footy and I’m sure he’ll be back for us.”
Forward Lachlan Gollant didn’t play SANFL on the weekend due to a foot injury but is in line to return this week.
“Lachy is managing a foot issue, he couldn’t quite get up for the game on the weekend but pleasingly he’s trained well so far this week and assuming he gets through training tomorrow he will be fine for the weekend,” Burgess said.
And key defender Nick Murray made an impressive return from a knee reconstruction in the SANFL on the weekend, gathering 18 disposals and four contested marks against West Adelaide.
“Muz was excellent, it was great to see him get through,” Burgess said.
“He moved well, his change of direction, jumping and contest stuff was excellent so it was a really good story for us.”
Injury list as of Tuesday, June 4:
Taylor Walker (back) test
Izak Rankine (hamstring) 1-2 weeks
Elliott Himmelberg (cheekbone) 2 weeks
Riley Thilthorpe (knee) 3-5 weeks
Josh Worrell (arm) 7-9 weeks
Matt Crouch (shoulder) season
Wayne Milera (knee) season
Patrick Parnell (shoulder) season