ADELAIDE forward Mitch McGovern has a "few more hurdles to get through" if he's going to return for next Thursday night's round 14 clash with Hawthorn at Adelaide Oval.
McGovern booted four goals in the SANFL last weekend in his first game back since tearing his hamstring tendon in the round three Showdown victory over Port Adelaide.
McGovern had his game-time managed as he builds up his match fitness, but has been training through the club's bye week.
"From what I saw with the way he played, yeah certainly (he could play against Hawthorn), but there's obviously some steps that he needs to go through to get himself right," Crows forward Tom Lynch told reporters on Thursday.
"He was on limited game time and to step back in the furnace of an AFL game, he has a few more hurdles to get through.
"The break gives him that opportunity as well, he's been training pretty hard and that'll be something up to the match committee."
McGovern played 23 out of a possible 24 games for the Crows last season, booting 32 goals.
The 23-year-old is reportedly making good progress with the Crows in regards to a contract extension beyond the end of this season, but he will attract interest from rival clubs.
Utility Andy Otten has been a valuable contributor in the forward line while McGovern has been out of the side.
The top of the table Crows held a training session at Football Park on Thursday after players were given four days off during their bye week.
Winger Paul Seedsman is also keen to get back in the senior side after making his long-awaited return in the SANFL last weekend.
Seedsman missed the entire pre-season with a groin issue and has been eased back slowly.
"It's been a long journey since coming back this off-season," Lynch said.
"He's been really patient and worked really hard to get his body right.
"We know what he can bring to our side.
"We probably at times get a little bit inpatient because of how good a player he is and how much we would like him back.
"He's been really good with his rehab."
The 25-year-old joined the Crows at the end of 2015 after securing a trade from Collingwood.
He played 15 games last season, but has struggled at times with injury.
Injured defender Luke Brown is also pushing to return against the Hawks.
Brown missed Adelaide’s win over St Kilda last week after fracturing his cheekbone against Geelong in round 11.
Crows high performance manager Matt Hass said Brown had recovered well from minor surgery.
"He (Brown) has returned to some light training," Hass said.
"He’s doing everything he can to be available for Hawthorn next week."
