ALL-AUSTRALIAN midfielder Matt Crouch looks primed for a quick return to Adelaide's senior side but the future is murky for veteran teammate Bryce Gibbs.

Crouch was the shock omission from the winless Crows' team last week in a selection statement that made headlines across the country.

However, coach Matthew Nicks said a heart-to-heart this week with the 25-year-old had put all parties on the same page with the club's direction. 

"Matty's had a fantastic week since some really good conversations about where we're going as a club, where we see Matty and what his strengths are," Nicks told reporters.

"He's been up and about – he's been fantastic – and I couldn't ask for a better attitude, so I'm sure he'll get his chance again.

"We (spoke) about life, golf, footy. Those are the conversations you enjoy as a coach.

"Sometimes you need a trigger to have those conversations (but) hopefully you don't need that trigger going forward."

Nicks and Gibbs have had similar chats, given the 31-year-old hasn't played since winning only seven possessions in round one.

"If they're on the same level, as far as what they're offering, well, we'll look to that younger guy at this point," Nicks said.

"But if Bryce's form is well above (and) we feel he's going to come out and help our group on-field, then he'll play."

ROUNDS 5-7 Check out the full fixture

Rory Sloane (ankle) and Chayce Jones (knee) will have to pass fitness tests to play against Fremantle on Sunday but Taylor Walker (knee) is not in doubt.

Nicks also hinted that defender Kyle Hartigan was in line for his first game of the season, with top-10 draftee Fischer McAsey potentially to be managed.