ADELAIDE midfielders Brad Crouch and Rory Atkins have been dumped from the Crows team to take on Gold Coast in their NAB Challenge match on Friday night for disciplinary reasons.

Coach Don Pyke said the decision to omit the pair was taken following a recommendation by the Adelaide leadership group.

"Our players have established a trademark and standards which govern their behaviour both on and off the field," Pyke said.

"In this instance, Brad and Rory did not meet those standards when the playing group had a break from training over the weekend."

First-year coach Pyke said the indiscretions were not of a serious nature, with the pair to now represent the SANFL Crows in a practice match against South Adelaide on Saturday.

Crouch and Atkins will then be eligible for selection for Adelaide's home and away season opener against North Melbourne on March 26.

"For both of those guys, it's an opportunity to learn and understand that's not how we're going to operate as a footy club," Pyke told reporters on Thursday.

"Both boys were really contrite and disappointed in themselves.

"They understand they've let themselves down and they've let their teammates down."

The highly talented Crouch, 21, did not play any senior football last year due to a foot stress fracture, but was set to appear in the match against the Suns.

He joined the Crows as a 17-year-old on-traded draft selection in 2013 and has played 25 AFL matches.

Earlier this week Pyke called for patience with Crouch's return.

The 21-year-old Atkins made his senior debut last year in a breakout campaign that yielded eight appearances at the top level.

The Crows' match against the Suns at Metricon Stadium is the final pre-season hit-out for both clubs.