Bassett came from the ground early in last week’s four-point loss to Hawthorn after copping a blow to the neck, but completed the majority of Wednesday’s main training session and expects to be fit for selection.
“I’ve had the scans and the x-rays, and there’s nothing wrong with my neck [structurally]. It’s just muscular and it’s actually got a lot better since Sunday,” Bassett said.
“I’ve always got a bit of a stiff neck anyway, so it feels about as good as normal.”
One noticeable no-show at Crows training on Wednesday was star Andrew McLeod.
The five-time All-Australian is nursing a sore knee and trained indoors. In-form midfielders Scott Thompson and Jason Porplyzia also left the track early, but like McLeod, are expected to play this weekend.
Brett Burton and Brent Reilly both appear certain to return to the side this week, while returning key forwards Trent Hentschel and Nick Gill continue to push their case for selection.
“The good thing is that Trent is improving and his performance in the SANFL on the weekend was better than the week before,” Bassett said.
“Every week he just gets better and there is some competition there now. It could be Nick Gill who comes in or Trent. Kenny McGregor is there as well.
“It’s just a matter of whether the time is right for Trent now or if it’s time to give someone else a go.”
Bassett said the playing group could hold their heads high after the narrow loss to Hawthorn.
“My head was up on Saturday night after the game because I was on a stretcher looking straight at the ceiling,” Bassett said with a laugh.
“I think we’re playing good footy. We’re getting better and some of our younger players are getting better. The ladder will take care of itself.
“I can’t control how many games Geelong, Hawthorn or the Western Bulldogs win this year. If they don’t lose another game well we’re not going to catch them are we? We just have to look after ourselves.”
