ADELAIDE must tinker with its defence with hard-running backman Rory Laird sidelined for up to three weeks with a fractured toe.
Scans on Tuesday revealed that Laird sustained the injury in last Saturday's win against Fremantle at Adelaide Oval.
Laird spent most of the final term with his foot iced up after jumping up and down in pain after kicking the ball in the first minute of the last quarter.
The injury means Laird is likely to miss games against the Western Bulldogs, Geelong and Gold Coast.
Match preview: Western Bulldogs v Adelaide
Experienced defender Ricky Henderson is the most likely replacement after strong form in the SANFL.
Midfielder Brad Crouch – who was outstanding in the SANFL last week with 36 disposals in his first back after missing two games with a hamstring injury – will also be in consideration, along with exciting prospect Wayne Milera and former captain Nathan van Berlo.
Laird was nominated for the All Australian team last year and had started this season in similar fashion.
The 22-year-old has averaged 25.7 possessions and 6.3 marks through the opening six rounds.
Crows general manager of high performance Brett Burton said Laird would need a stint on the sidelines to allow the injury to heal.
"Rory came off in the last quarter of Saturday’s game and scans have revealed a fracture in his toe," Burton said.
"It’s unfortunate for both Rory and the club and we expect him to miss two to three weeks as he recovers."
