THE CAUSE of Adelaide defender Rory Laird's foot injury is a simple case of leather poisoning, according to teammate Tom Lynch.

Laird is in doubt for Adelaide's difficult clash with the Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium on Saturday night after hurting his toe against Fremantle on Saturday.

The 22-year-old sat out the final quarter of the 33-point win over the Dockers with his foot iced up.

"He told me he's had too many kicks, that's why he's a bit sore," Lynch joked on Monday.

"He'll be a test this week and we'll see how he gets up and we'll give him every opportunity.

"We'll see how it goes later on in the week at training."

Laird has continued his terrific form of last season, averaging 25.7 disposals per game, including 13 kicks on the half-back flank.

There was better news for Mitch McGovern, Jake Lever and Paul Seedsman, who overcame minor knocks and look set to take on the Bulldogs.

It's a rematch of last year's epic elimination final that went the way of the Crows by seven points.

The Bulldogs are without a couple of key contributors in defence, including veterans Robert Murphy and Matt Suckling, but Lynch expects they will be able to fill those holes.

"They're missing Rob Murphy and a couple of others, but they're a really good side for a reason and they've got a number of good players," Lynch said.

"They've got a lot of experience back there with Easton Wood and Matty Boyd.

"We're going to have to be right on task if we're going to get the job done."

The Crows are back inside the top eight with a 4-2 record and could be higher on the ladder if not for close losses to unbeaten North Melbourne and reigning premiers Hawthorn.

"We've started the year well, when you look at win-loss we're pleased at that, but we also feel like there's a couple that have slipped away," Lynch said.

"We're under no illusions about where we're at and we're working hard to hopefully put up another good performance this week."

Midfielder Brad Crouch did his chances of a senior recall no harm with 36 possessions and 10 clearances in the SANFL.

It was Crouch's first game back after missing two weeks with a hamstring injury.

Wayne Milera also had 22 touches and kicked three goals to put himself in the frame.

"It's a really good sign to have so many guys pressing their claims for senior selection," Lynch said.

"I'm not sure if guys are feeling the pressure to perform, but they're certainly performing at both grades.

"You've got to be able to do that otherwise someone will step up and take your spot."