AFL.com.au’s Michael Whiting predicts that Senior Coach Chris Fagan might be looking to make some changes this week with Hugh McCluggage expected to return and a number of NEAFL players seeming likely prospects.
After seven straight losses, the Lions are hoping for the return of skipper Dayne Beams ahead of Saturday's match against Adelaide at the Gabba.
Beams has missed the past two weeks with a quad strain and is touch-and-go to return against the Crows.
Recovery Report: Beams on the mend
Meanwhile, vice-captain Tom Rockliff dislocated his shoulder late in the fourth quarter against Hawthorn on Saturday.
The midfielder is expected to miss the next two to three weeks due to the shoulder injury.
After travelling twice in the past fortnight, coach Chris Fagan might be looking to make some changes, with No.3 draft pick Hugh McCluggage likely to return after being rested for a week.
Young midfield bull Rhys Mathieson has been impressive in the NEAFL making 30 disposals, nine clearances and four inside 50s during last Saturday’s match against Redlands.
Ryan Bastinac (32 disposals, nine clearances, six marks) was also a standout in the NEAFL, if Fagan’s looking for some experience.
Meanwhile, Lee Gaskin of AFL.com.au explains the Crows will have a number of powerhouse players returning to the senior side this weekend after recovering from injuries.
Defender Jake Lever and midfielder/forward Riley Knight are set to return to take on the Brisbane Lions at the Gabba on Saturday night.
Lever missed last weekend's 41-point loss to Melbourne with hamstring tightness, while Knight was ruled out with a glute injury.
Midfielder Scott Thompson could play his first AFL game of the season to add more muscle to the Crows' midfield. The 34-year-old, a veteran of 307 games over 17 seasons, had an interrupted pre-season with shoulder, calf and adductor injuries, but has regained match fitness with two games in the state league.
Former under-19 Australian basketball representative Hugh Greenwood, third-year midfielder Harrison Wigg and draftees Myles Poholke and Jordan Gallucci will be in consideration for a senior debut.
Defender Kyle Cheney is expected to play his first game of the season this weekend after a hamstring injury, but will come through the SANFL before returning to the senior side.
