Adelaide are set to select Ben Rutten for their AFL season-opener despite the fullback not playing a game since last year.
Rutten was sidelined the entire pre-season with a foot injury but is likely to play against Gold Coast on Saturday.
“We’re pretty confident that he’ll play,” coach Brenton Sanderson told reporters on Wednesday.
“He’s had a really solid month of high intensity training and a lot of match simulation-type drills.
“So we feel that if we picked him that he could play without looking like he’s missed too much footy.
“I know it’s been a long time between games for him but he’s experienced, he’s professional, he’s prepared himself perfectly.”
Sanderson said the Crows were likely to make five changes to their side which won the pre-season final.
Rutten and onballer Richard Douglas appear likely to be recalled, while the Crows must trim another three players from their 25-strong pre-season squad.
AAP sl/ajw/jds