THE CROWS are poised to regain superstar Andrew McLeod for the all-important Showdown XXV at AAMI Stadium on Sunday.

McLeod, who underwent arthroscopic knee surgery three weeks ago, trained freely at Thursday’s main training session and, provided he recovers well, will be a certain-starter for the clash with Port Adelaide.

Small forward Richard Douglas trained alongside McLeod in attack on Thursday and said he expected the All-Australian captain to return.

“Bunji [McLeod] looked really good out there [at training] and we look forward to getting him back this week,” Douglas said.

“He’s a really important player for us and he loves the big stage, so he’ll be right.”

Trent Hentschel will not be considered for selection this week after failing to train with the main group. Hentschel suffered a hamstring strain playing in the SANFL two weeks ago and will not play at any level this weekend.

Midfielder Scott Thompson continued his 2008 tradition of leaving the track early, but will take his place in the team when it is named on Thursday afternoon.

McLeod usually attracts the attention of Port Adelaide stopper Kane Cornes in the Showdown games and Douglas didn’t rule out the dual premiership player shifting up forward to break the Cornes’ tag.

“It’s a possibility. Obviously, with Bird [Brett Burton] and Porps [Jason Porplyzia] out there are opportunities for some players to step up and play forward this week. I think Andrew can play anywhere on the field and it will be up to [Neil] Craigy and the coaches to decide where he plays on Sunday,” Douglas said.

“Wherever Andrew plays he generally plays well and we love the drive he gives us from the back line. That’s important to us as well, so he may play a number of roles on Sunday.”

Douglas has emerged as a crumbing forward/midfielder this season and enjoyed a superb game against Port Adelaide in round three finishing with three goals.

The crafty 21-year-old said it was up to the rest of the team to “pick up the slack” created by the injuries to Burton and Porplyzia.

“Everyone has got to stand up and I’m no exception to that, so I’ll be looking forward to having a bigger impact on the game. I’ll probably spend a bit more time up forward, so it would be nice to kick a few goals,” he said.

“No one likes losing, especially four in a row, so we’re desperate to win this week and keep our finals chances alive.”