ADELAIDE star Rory Sloane expects Brodie Smith to recover from a rolled ankle in time to take his place in Saturday night's elimination final against the Western Bulldogs.
Smith was subbed from last weekend's loss to Geelong after landing awkwardly, and arrived at the club on Monday in a moon boot.
He didn't train outside on Wednesday morning but appeared to be walking normally without the moon boot.
Sloane said the rebounding defender would train late this week.
"He did a bit of stuff inside today, (he is) tracking really well – (the) moon boot's off," Sloane said.
"He'll probably have a run either [Thursday] or Friday, we'll give him every chance he needs to get himself right.
"I reckon he's looking pretty good at the moment … he's got until Saturday morning really to prove his fitness. He's an important player for us so we definitely want him out there."
Meanwhile, Sloane said Sam Jacobs wouldn't be dwelling on again missing out on the All Australian squad.
The depth of ruck talent in the AFL has been remarkable in 2015, but Jacobs' numbers stack up against the very best.
The 27-year-old is ranked third for total hit-outs behind Todd Goldstein and Aaron Sandilands, but he's averaged more disposals per game than either player.
Sloane didn't think the All Australian snub would bother Jacobs, particularly if the Crows were able to progress deep into September.
"He's valued incredibly highly at our footy club and I think that's all that matters for 'Sauce'," he said.
"Us midfielders are very thankful for the way he plays football, so he'd rather be playing finals I think and win a few finals [than gain All Australian selection]."
Sloane wouldn't be drawn on Adelaide's interest in Gold Coast midfielder Harley Bennell, who will be traded from the Suns following another off-field indiscretion.
The Crows need outside midfielders with speed and skill and although Sloane described Bennell as a great player, he said it wasn't the right time to be concerned with list management issues.
