Adelaide young gun Daniel Curtin suffered a suspected dislocated knee injury at training on Monday.
Curtin appeared to injure his knee in a wrestling drill, sparking fears of a serious setback ahead of the Western Australian's third season. He was swiftly taken up the race and indoors to have his knee assessed.
As revealed by Zero Hanger, Curtin suffered a dislocated kneecap, with Adelaide confirming the diagnosis and Curtin to undergo scans to understand the full extent of the injury.
"Adelaide utility Dan Curtin dislocated his kneecap during pre-season training on Monday," a club update read.
"The 20-year-old will undergo scans to confirm the extent of the injury.
"The Club will provide a further update once medical staff have a full assessment."
The surgery route would lead to an estimated three months on the sidelines, delaying his 2026 season.
A potentially serious knee injury for Crows young gun Dan Curtin. Was stretchered from training after a wrestling drill. A cruel blow after what’s been a big pre-season @7NewsAdelaide @7AFL pic.twitter.com/zIkyqX1mZ4
— Tom Wilson (@Tom_Wilson7) January 19, 2026
It comes as a massive blow to the high-flying Crows after Curtin produced a breakout 2025, finishing third in the Rising Star award.
After playing the majority of 2025 on the wing, he looked poised to take on more midfield minutes in 2026 after returning to pre-season in superb physical condition.
Curtin's injury blow comes after it was revealed fellow first-round draftee Sid Draper is battling groin soreness, having barely been sighted among the Crows' main group prior to Christmas.
The Crows have otherwise endured a good run with injury, with the squad largely available across the early part of the pre-season.
The Crows will kick off their 2026 preparations with a match simulation against Port Adelaide on February 20, before facing Fremantle in Perth on February 28.
The Crows officially open their 2026 campaign in Round 1 against Collingwood at the MCG on March 14.
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