RICHARD Douglas is pushing for selection in Saturday's Showdown against Port Adelaide, with the star Adelaide midfielder training well on Wednesday.
Douglas began training last week after a knock to the groin in a practice game on March 7 left him hospitalised and in need of surgery to halt internal bleeding.
He was expected to miss up to six weeks of football, but after impressing teammate Scott Thompson, Douglas could strengthen the Crows' midfield this weekend providing he's cleared by Adelaide's medical staff.
"'Richy' trained today, he's actually pulled up quite well," Thompson said.
"He's moving around well, he seemed comfortable – that's just my opinion looking at him train – I haven't had a 'D and M' with him about how he's feeling down stairs, but I'm sure he'll get that ticked off with the specialist.
"If he's fit, he'll probably get selected; if not we'll wait another week or two, however long it takes him."
Douglas' absence was noticeable in Adelaide's 38-point loss to Geelong in round one, particularly in the final term when the Crows were comprehensively beaten in contested possession.
As one of the Crows' finest and most experienced midfielders, Douglas' return would provide an instant boost.
Thompson agreed, claiming the 27-year-old was crucial to Adelaide operating at full power.
"He's a great player for us and he has been for a long time, had an outstanding season last year, had an outstanding summer on the track and you saw that in the pre-season games that he played," he said.
"He's really important with the way we structure up and the way he uses the ball and wins the ball."
Douglas' addition to the side would undoubtedly be welcomed by Patrick Dangerfield.
Dangerfield was closely checked against the Cats and restricted to 21 disposals.
Thompson joked that he could take matters into his own hands to help the superstar, but said it was ultimately up to the midfield as a whole to help shield itself from taggers.
"I could probably belt a few blokes," he laughed.
"We want to play the game within the rules. If we need to be physical, we'll be physical but like I said, Danger's a big enough boy, he can look after himself.
"(Rory) Sloane, Matty Wright's playing really good footy… as a midfield group we pride ourselves on everyone playing their role and making it difficult for opposition teams to [decide] 'who do we run with?'"
Taylor Walker continued his impressive push to return to senior football, and has increased his training load.
The key forward spent hours in front of goals on Adelaide's Max Basheer Reserve, much to the surprise of several teammates who couldn't believe he was still training.
