ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 26: Brad Crouch of the Crows takes a mark during the round 23 AFL match between the Adelaide Crows and the West Coast Eagles at Adelaide Oval on August 26, 2016 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Morne de Klerk/Getty Images)

Adelaide midfielder Brad Crouch has been ruled out of the JLT Community Series and appears unlikely to be available for round one due to a hamstring injury.

The club has opted to take a conservative approach with the 23-year-old, who sustained the injury in January, after taking longer than expected to recover.

“Given Brad’s injury history and young age we won’t rush his return,” Adelaide general manager of high performance Matt Hass said.

“He won’t play in the pre-season competition as he recovers and we build up his training loads to match level.

“We expect Brad to make a full recovery and be an important player for the Club this season.”