The Adelaide Crows may very well welcome back a trio of needle movers, following positive outings in the reserves, and increased training loads.
Key forward Darcy Fogarty has missed three matches with a back issue, but trained well on the weekend, according to Crows' coaching director Murray Davis, who fielded questions upon his side's return to Adelaide after a poor showing against the rampaging back-to-back premiers, in Brisbane.
"He trained really well, he had a big session on the weekend," Davis said.
"He'll be probably one that will be putting his hand up as well, he's not too far away."
Others to be nearing returns include Dan Curtin and Jake Soligo.
Curtin dislocated his knee in January, and hadn't been sighted at any level since. Upon his return, he collected 18 disposals.
Soligo, on the other hand, missed the game against Brisbane, having not been selected after an ankle injury suffered in a Gather Round victory over the struggling Blues.
The 23-year-old could not have done much more to push his case for a return to AFL action, registering 39 disposals and two goals at SANFL level on the weekend.
Soligo has form in the marquee fixture, too, having taken home the Showdown Medal in 2024.
His grunt would be a welcome addition to Matthew Nicks' midfield, after they were pantsed in that area against the Lions. Brisbane were +15 in clearances, +22 in contested possessions, and dominated territory, finishing +21 inside 50s to the good over their stunned opponents.
"Jake was able to get his hands on the footy and we were able to see some of Dan's workrate stuff as well," Murray said.
"So (it's) nice to have those magnets on the board to discuss and they'll certainly be in the mix for Friday night."
Prized recruit, former Lion Callum Ah Chee is still overcoming a significant hamstring injury, and is not yet available for selection.
