Adelaide youngster Sid Draper has undergone jaw surgery with a timeline for his return to be revealed in due course.
Draper came from the field in Adelaide's SANFL clash with Sturt on the weekend after a nasty collision.
The 19-year-old has not yet featured at AFL level this year due to a groin issue in pre-season after 10 games in his maiden campaign.
“It's unfortunate for Sid who has had to endure a stop-start beginning to life in the AFL system,” Kelly said.
“While initial scans seemed to clear him of anything significant, he was sent for a follow-up assessment which identified the fracture.
“It's certainly not the news we wanted to hear for Sid and unfortunately it has required surgery.
“We'll have a clearer understanding of the timeline post his recovery from surgery.”
It comes after Adelaide has officially ruled out key forward Riley Thilthorpe from its Saturday afternoon clash against North Melbourne due to back soreness.
He was named in the squad on Thursday night but missed Adelaide's captain's run before the club confirmed his absence.
Thilthorpe has played through injury this year, which has limited his output after a breakout 2025.
The 201cm key forward has kicked 14.15 through nine games.
“Riley's worked his way through some physical challenges this year; the lower back has troubled him, but there's a combination (of reasons for his dip in form),” Nicks said.
“Our delivery at the moment and our overall game plan aren't consistent.
“Riley is working through some of the body issues and the challenges that come with that.”
Darcy Fogarty and Toby Murray will be relied upon as the Crows' key pillars against a much-improved North Melbourne outfit, which last week pushed Sydney.
The Crows sit 5-4 after winning the minor premiership last year and have Hawthorn, Geelong and Western Bulldogs in the next three weeks, so they need to find winning form.
