ADELAIDE coach Don Pyke hasn't ruled out rushing forward Mitch McGovern back for Friday night's clash with St Kilda at Adelaide Oval.

McGovern has missed the past eight games after tearing his hamstring tendon against Port Adelaide in round three.

While he's expected to be eased back through the SANFL this weekend, Pyke admitted he was tempted to throw McGovern into the fray against the Saints.

"There's a thought in the back of my mind, but it's probably just that at the moment," Pyke told reporters on Tuesday. 

"It's unlikely (he'll play in the AFL this week) given the time he's missed out. 

"He'll definitely play at one level, but most likely in the SANFL." 

McGovern has become a valuable part of the Crows' forward structure since making his debut last year, playing 23 of a possible 24 games in 2016.

The Crows are keen to re-sign the 22-year-old to a long-term deal, but the West Australian will attract plenty of interest from rival clubs. 

Defender Jake Lever – who is also out of contract – should be right to take on the Saints after a minor ankle strain against Geelong last Friday night.

"He didn't do a lot today, but he'll do more tomorrow and he should be right to go," Pyke said.

The Crows are hopeful defender Luke Brown misses just one game and returns immediately after the bye after having surgery for a fractured cheekbone on Tuesday. 

Kyle Cheney, who played every game for the Crows last season, is the front-runner to replace Brown, but Pyke said they have several options.

"(Cheney) is a possibility, he's been playing at SANFL level for the last three weeks," Pyke said. 

"We've got some guys who are currently playing who have played in defence this season. 

"David Mackay has played back, Richard Douglas has played some minutes back as well, then we can look at how we restructure our forward half.

"We've got guys who have been close to selection in recent weeks with Jono Beech, Riley Knight has been back for a couple weeks as well."