A MASKED Rory Sloane could return for Adelaide against Gold Coast on Saturday but having not completed a main training session in a month he's still got a few boxes to tick. 

Sloane fractured his cheekbone for a second time in round 13 but has recovered well and is in line to be named against the Suns provided he makes it through Thursday's training. 

Speaking at the Walkerville Football Club, where he was helping to celebrate the 20th birthday of Auskick, the 25-year-old said he would wear some form of helmet if he were to play.

"I've seriously looked at a few different things to wear just to help me get back a little quicker," Sloane said. 

"There was a Batman mask, there was the man in the iron mask – there's a few funny ones that have popped up – have you seen Gladiator? 

"There's no chance [I'll play] unless I get through the session tomorrow … I haven't done a main session for about four weeks.

"Coaches and doc and myself need to be confident that it'll hold up again, obviously I've done it twice in the same spot now.

"I've got to do a bit of competitive work essentially." 

This year in South Australia a record number of children – more than 8000 – are enrolled in Auskick programs. 

Sloane began his career as an 'Auskicker' and is now the state's Auskick ambassador.

He remembered a visit from former Carlton star Dean Rice and, although Rice apparently showed little mercy to the future star Crow, his presence clearly impacted Sloane. 

"It's funny, 20 years ago exactly I started Auskick as well, so I was about five," he said. 

"I remember Dean Rice coming out to my school actually, Upwey Primary, and I'll never forget him coming out and running a longest kick competition.

"I thought I had him covered and he's come out and just destroyed one right over my head."