JASON Porplyzia says Adelaide has up to 35 players capable of performing on the elite stage, negating the effects of the club's long injury list ahead of round one.
Several big-name Crows have been struck down with injury this pre-season, with forwards Tom Lynch (shoulder) and Andy Otten (knee), and star midfielder Richard Douglas (groin) the latest casualties.
The trio will miss between three and six weeks of football, adding to a list that also includes captain Nathan van Berlo, versatile defender Ricky Henderson and forward Taylor Walker.
But with just five senior-listed players yet to debut at AFL level (Rory Atkins, Matt Crouch, Cameron Ellis-Yolmen, Riley Knight and Sam Siggins), Porplyzia said his club had a long line of players with past experience who could all perform if called upon on against Geelong on Thursday night.
Lewis Johnston and Sam Kerridge booted seven and four goals respectively in the Crows' SANFL trial earlier this month, while Brad Crouch starred in the midfield.
"We've got some strong depth in our list I think, guys got some opportunities last year who probably weren't regulars in the side so there's AFL experience in probably 30-35 guys," Porplyzia said.
"That holds us in good stead.
"A lot of guys have had really good summers, so whilst we've got a couple of injuries, there's certainly guys ready to step in and take their spots and cement spots of their own."
With injury issues of their own, the Cats could have done with new Crow James Podsiadly as they head into their season opener against Adelaide.
The veteran has quickly settled into life as a Crow since joining the club late last year, impressing coaches and teammates not only with his on-field ability, but his mentoring of young players and knowledge of the game.
Porplyzia said those selected to face Podsiadly's old side on Thursday would "pick his brain".
"He's just been helpful in general, he brings a wealth of knowledge, he's really good in teaching the game to younger guys," he said.
"He's got a lot of experience and he's been in a winning side so I guess in general he brings that across to us.
"I'm sure in the next couple of days guys will pick his brains about certain players and certain ways that Geelong [play]."
Porplyzia was only offered a one-year contract extension at the end of a disappointing 2013, in which he managed just 13 goals from 16 games.
That means he's out of contract again at the end of this year but the 29-year-old recently told AFL.com.au his career was far from finished.
After his best pre-season since 2011, Porplyzia is confident he can turn his form around.
"I've done all the work over the summer and it's probably the first pre-season I've had for a while where I've been able to do the work and take that into the season," he said.
"I'm excited about what that sort of holds for me ... one thing is to have confidence in your game and how you feel about your game, I guess the other thing is to have confidence in your body.
"It's good to have that and hopefully it translates into my performance."
