ADELAIDE has suffered a major blow ahead of round one, with young midfielder Brad Crouch to miss up to two months after undergoing foot surgery.

 

Crouch, 21, injured his left foot in Saturday's NAB Challenge win over Port Adelaide with scans revealing a fracture.

 

Crows head of football David Noble said it was a disappointing setback for a young player who was set to make his mark in 2015.

 

"Brad has had an unfortunate run with injury in recent years but we know that he will attack his rehabilitation with enthusiasm and look to get back as soon as possible," Noble said in a statement.

 

Crouch was the one of the competition's most impressive performers in the opening two NAB Challenge games, ranking second in the AFL for clearances (15), third for hard-ball gets (12) and tackles (12) and fourth in contested possessions (25).

 

The hard-at-it midfielder has played 25 AFL games in two seasons on Adelaide's list, after being recruited via the first GWS mini-draft.

 

The Crows will open their season against North Melbourne at Adelaide Oval on April 5.