ADELAIDE could opt for a quick and mobile attack for their round one clash with Greater Western Sydney if captain Taylor Walker is ruled out with a hamstring injury, defender Daniel Talia says.
Walker didn't travel to Melbourne for the AFL's Captain's Day at the MCG on Thursday, instead remaining in Adelaide for a training session.
Crows vice-captain Rory Sloane was also absent as he recovers from a fractured eye socket, with Talia making the trip across.
The Crows were the highest-scoring team in the competition last year with dynamic small forwards Eddie Betts and Charlie Cameron complementing Walker, Josh Jenkins, Tom Lynch and Mitch McGovern.
Former Carlton forward Troy Menzel would come into the mix if the Crows go for a small option, while the speedy Wayne Milera can also play in attack.
"I'm hoping Tex will be right to play, but if he didn't come up, I think we'd go with a slightly smaller forward line," Talia told AFL.com.au.
"We've got a lot of speed through there.
"We've got Charlie and Eddie, the two quickest forwards in the competition.
"Tex will do everything to get himself right, but if he's not then it's not the end of the world."
Back-up ruckman Reilly O'Brien – who played two games last year – and uncapped forward Harry Dear would be the options if the Crows want a like-for-like replacement for Walker.
The Crows will also have tough decisions to make in their backline after the impressive form of defenders Andy Otten and Jake Kelly in the pre-season competition.
Jake Lever (hamstring) missed all of the JLT Community Series, while Kyle Cheney (groin) made his return in a SANFL trial last weekend.
"Especially against GWS, they are such a fit team, you need to have that run in the legs," Talia said.
"We have a few guys in that boat, Kyle Cheney and Jake Lever as well, who are coming back from injury.
"It's going to be a tough match committee because a lot of guys have been in really good form.
"You've got Andy Otten, who's been starring down back, and deserves a spot, and Jake (Lever) has to come back.
"Jake Kelly played a 10-game period in 2015 and played really well and has been really stiff not to get in.
"Both guys have really earnt their spot, it's just about who they want to bring in and if they want to rush guys back."