Adelaide have been dealt a significant setback with midfield general Matt Crouch sidelined for up to six weeks as he battles a nagging hip issue.
The 29-year-old, who had surgery on the same hip back in 2020, will be rested in the hope that time off can help him rediscover his best form later in the season.
Crouch featured prominently in the early rounds but has since struggled with discomfort, enough for both him and the club to agree that a spell away from the action is the right call.
MORE: Bulldogs and troubled star Jamarra Ugle-Hagan finally come to agreement
“It's one of those things that Matty has worked his way through... it's one that he grinds at times, and we are in that at the moment,” senior coach Matthew Nicks told reporters.
Crouch sidelined as Crows try to steady
“Matty is a team player, so he's always thinking about what he can do for the team and at the moment, he doesn't feel like he can get his game to the level,” Nicks added.
“We sat down over a few weeks now and just talked through what does this look like and in the end, it's a joint decision... and he'll look at what he can do to help the hip.”
“He'll come back later in the year... (he'll) come back give us what he knows he can to the team, which when he's at 100 per cent, he's super important.”
MORE: AFL Injury List 2025: Brisbane star cleared for long-awaited return
The Crows are already nursing other key injuries, with full-back Nick Murray out for a month following knee surgery, and Mitch Hinge suspended. That’s left the side reshuffling its defensive unit once again ahead of Saturday’s clash against Carlton.
Adelaide, sitting fifth with a 4-3 record, have won just one of their past four outings. With in-form Carlton charging into town after three straight wins, including a statement 18-point victory over Geelong, the Crows will need to dig deep without one of their midfield anchors.