ADELAIDE has changed its travel routine and hopes to keep a match-eve training session secret from looming opponents Essendon.
The Crows flew to Melbourne on Thursday morning and will train at an undisclosed location in the afternoon – they usually train in Adelaide before flying for matches in Melbourne.
"We had some discussions with the players ... and they just felt travel over in the morning, get organised, have a run later this afternoon," Crows coach Don Pyke told reporters at Adelaide Airport.
Rookie-listed small forward Lachlan Murphy and experienced utility Andy Otten were a part of the Crows' squad that travelled to Melbourne.
However, it's understood midfielder Hugh Greenwood will be left out of the side as he builds back to form after his recovery from Achilles surgery.
"We'll take our 22 plus a couple others," Pyke said.
Murphy booted three goals for the Crows in their first JLT Community Series game against Fremantle at Strathalbyn.
The 19-year-old Victorian was overlooked in the 2016 NAB AFL Draft and moved to Adelaide to join the Crows' SANFL Development squad.
He was rewarded for a strong season in the SANFL when he was selected by the Crows in last year's rookie draft.
Otten, 28, wasn't selected in the Crows' final JLT game against Port Adelaide but was close to best on ground in a SANFL trial against West Adelaide playing in defence.
He can also be used in attack as he showed several times last season when he played as a forward.
Greenwood was a revelation with his toughness and contested play last season, playing 15 games.
However, he had a limited pre-season after having Achilles surgery in November and had just nine possessions against the Power in the Crows' final pre-season game.
Midfielders Curtly Hampton and Sam Gibson are both set to play after boarding the flight to Melbourne.
Hampton has been impressive in both JLT games after he missed the second half of last season with a serious ankle injury.
Gibson, 31, is set to make his debut for the Crows after 130 consecutive games with North Melbourne.
Pyke confirmed youngster Wayne Milera was still at least a week away from being considered as he returns from a minor knee complaint.
"Wayne won't play. He's built really well into the pre-season but needs probably another one run to be ready to play at AFL level," Pyke said.
The Crows have a SANFL trial game against Port Adelaide on Friday at Alberton Oval.
The Crows confirmed earlier in the week that forward last year's No.12 overall draft pick Darcy Fogarty and third-year defender Tom Doedee will both debut against the Bombers.
