Round 16 Injury Update: Adelaide Crows Key Players Return Against GWS

Adelaide might see the return of several key forwards, including veteran Taylor Walker, for this weekend's game against GWS.

Walker has been sidelined since the Round 13 match against Hawthorn due to a back injury but has shown promising progress in recent training sessions.

Key Updates:

• Taylor Walker: Walker has been out since Round 13 due to a back injury but has been training well recently.

• Comments from High Performance Manager Darren Burgess: "Tex has completed all our training requirements. He had a few minor issues last week, but performed excellently in Monday's session, handling contact and ground balls as expected."

• Riley Thilthorpe: Thilthorpe is recovering from a knee injury sustained in pre-season.

• Burgess said: "Riley has met all our objective markers over the past few weeks and has been fully training with the team. Assuming he gets through tomorrow's training, he will likely play this weekend."

• Elliott Himmelberg: Himmelberg is back after surgery for a fractured cheekbone suffered in Round 11 against Collingwood.

• Burgess noted: "Elliott has been able to do all non-contact activities and has received final approval from the surgeon, making him available to play this weekend."

• Brodie Smith: Smith, who injured his knee at SANFL level, is also set to return.

• Burgess commented: "Smithers has trained consistently, including a full session over the weekend and on Monday, so he will be fine to play."

Injury List (As of Tuesday, June 26):

Comments from Darren Burgess on Key Players:

1. Taylor Walker: "The longer break was beneficial. Tex might not have played last weekend, but his movements on Monday were excellent. He handled everything we asked of him, including contact and ground ball drills."

2. Riley Thilthorpe: "Riley has been doing very well. He has met all our training objectives over the last few weeks. If he gets through the final team training session, he will play this weekend."

3. Elliott Himmelberg: "Elliott has been participating in all non-contact activities. With the surgeon’s final approval, he is now available to play."

4. Brodie Smith: "Smithers has not missed any training sessions and completed a full session over the weekend and Monday. He is ready to go."

This update provides a hopeful outlook for Adelaide, with key players potentially returning to bolster the team against GWS.