THE EXPLOSIVE Curtly Hampton will get the chance to press his claims for a spot in Adelaide's new-look midfield brigade.
With Rory Sloane, Brad Crouch and Scott Thompson in a race to be fit for round one, Hampton will make his Crows' debut in Friday night's JLT Community Series clash with Richmond at Etihad Stadium.
The 23-year-old played 51 games in four seasons at Greater Western Sydney before joining the Crows during the 2015 trade period.
A foot injury derailed Hampton's first year at the Crows, but he's impressed during the pre-season with his move to a new role.
"He's a guy that adds a different dimension to our midfield," Crows coach Don Pyke said.
"He played a lot of footy down back at GWS, but when he was recruited he was more a half-forward playing midfield.
"That's more his natural position, so he's reconnecting the skills with that stoppage and transitional stuff.
"He's a unique athlete, he's got some power and he's got some speed."
Former Carlton forward Troy Menzel will also be turning out for the Crows for the first time after failing to get a game last season.
"He didn't have the year he wanted last year, but he's done a chunk of work and he's owned that," Pyke said.
"Talking to him as late as this morning, he's got a really firm resolve what he wants out of his footy, which is a great step forward for Troy.
"He was chasing his tail for a fair chunk of the year in terms of conditioning and he's addressed that, so it's a fresh start that he has tomorrow night."
The Crows have 11 players unavailable for their first game of the pre-season competition.
Rory Sloane will have surgery on his fractured eye socket this week, while Crouch (hamstring) and Thompson (shoulder) are also going to be touch and go for the season-opener with the Giants.
"They're in the mix," Pyke said.
"The challenge is to get guys back ready to play versus being available, which is a big difference.
"Those guys have missed a little bit of time, so we'll make sure we manage them correctly in their return to play.
Defender Jake Lever ran laps away from the main group at Thursday's training session at Football Park.
Lever is expected to return from a hamstring injury for the Crows' last JLT game.
Luke Brown and Kyle Cheney could be back as early as next week, while wingman Paul Seedsman is a little bit further behind in his recovery from groin soreness.
Experienced backman Andy Otten will play his first game for the Crows since 2014, while midfielder Myles Poholke is the only one of the club's draftees from last year who will take to the field on Friday night.
Pyke said the Crows were keen to tap into Otten's experience after a difficult period for the veteran.
"Andy was one of a number of guys last year who was right on the edge of playing," Pyke said.
"He's an experienced defender, he's got great leadership and I know he's super keen to take the opportunity that's presented and push his claims for round one."
