Adelaide could regain Tom Lynch for next Saturday’s Showdown, while captain Taylor Walker has an elbow strain to overcome.
Adelaide coach Don Pyke is upbeat that captain Taylor “Tex” Walker will be fit for next Saturday’s crucial Showdown.
Walker suffered an elbow ligament strain in the second term on Friday night and it proved a turning point in the Crows’ loss to Geelong.
While he played the game out, Walker clearly was affected by the injury.
But Pyke is optimistic that Walker will not miss the latest instalment of their fierce rivalry with Port Adelaide.
“We’d hope so – we’ll have to see how it settles down,” Pyke said.
“After the game, he seemed confident.”
Adelaide could also regain fellow forward Tom Lynch from a calf muscle injury.
It is now 16 years since the Crows won at GMHBA Stadium, but more importantly they blew a chance to potentially break into the top four.
“The reality is, where we sit now (and) dropping this game, we have to keep winning to give ourselves an opportunity to play finals footy,” Pyke said.
“It’s so even that a loss here or there puts you back into the pack and unfortunately that’s what (Friday night) does.
“It means we don’t move forward, we stay where we are and others probably come up to us.
“The Showdown – another big game, they’re always big games.”
While Cats tall utility Mark Blicavs was hailed for his crucial role after he was moved from defence into the ruck, Pyke felt Adelaide’s problems were more widespread.
He also was impressed with how well young ruckman Reilly O’Brien battled against Rhys Stanley and Blicavs.
Pyke said Adelaide lost their way in the contest after a strong start.
“We lost some critical contests and lost field position and in the third quarter, clearances became an issue,” he said.
“From then, we were on the back foot.”
Pyke said he would have a closer look at Bryce Gibbs’ game before making a call on how his return had gone.
Gibbs had a quiet match, but Pyke noted he was far from the only Crows midfielder to post low numbers.
redbackfan
Roar Rookie
exactly right re gibbs. like the great carey trade before it. there will be the usual accountability from the geniuses at hq
Danny
Guest
Add Atkins...soft as melted butter...just can't carry a player like this, reminds me of how Motlop played for Geelong in the past
Danny
Guest
that was clear, as was Crows lack of desperation in the last quarter. Too many missed tackles. I expected a kamikaze effort but it didn't happen
Timbo's rules
Guest
Gibbs, Douglas, Smith and Galucci had poor games and Smith is the only one of them that doesn't deserve to be dropped. No excuses though, Crows were comprehensively outplayed around the stoppages. Made it harder for the forwards. Our backs though turned a 50 point thumping into a disrespectable 27 point loss.
anon
Roar Pro
Tex goes to water in big games so probably helps the Crows.
Yattuzzi
Roar Rookie
The real turning point was the cats desire to win. And applying massive pressure.
Yattuzzi
Roar Rookie
Walker got a very lucky goal first quarter. Besides that he was no good. To say he was the deciding factor is silly. Tex would not even get a game for any top four side.
Danny
Guest
everyone is talking about Carlton maybe losing out to Adelaide on the Stocker trade. what seems pretty clear is that 2 first round picks for Gibbs has become a disaster. I don't know how Atkins is still in the side you just can't carry even one player who is soft in the contest. Hartigan tries hard but every time he has the ball in his hands I cover my eyes.
Rowdy
Roar Rookie
I didn't know that he played
Ditto
Roar Rookie
I think Gibbs has played his last match for the Crows AFL team.