All the Adelaide Crows and Port Adelaide teams and selection news ahead of round Round 16

The under-fire Crows are due some good news and it could come in the form of a return for forward line talisman Taylor Walker – but Port’s injury woes continue to bite.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – JUNE 01: Taylor Walker of the Crows reacts during the round 12 AFL match between Hawthorn Hawks and Adelaide Crows at Melbourne Cricket Ground, on June 01, 2024, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Morgan Hancock/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)

Adelaide could receive a big boost as it looks to snap its losing streak with the Crows hopeful talisman Taylor Walker can return against GWS.

And the Crows could regain a second key forward as they debate whether young gun Riley Thilthorpe makes a return via the SANFL or goes straight into the senior side.

The Crows were able to have a brief respite from all the heat they have been copping in recent weeks with their mid-season bye last week.

Adelaide’s pre-season aspirations of playing finals have ended following three losses in a row, which has prompted a wave of criticism and debate about the direction of the Crows after years of rebuilding.

the Crows are hopeful Taylor Walker can make a comeback from injury to boost their ailing forward line. Picture: Morgan Hancock/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)

But the Crows could have a big boost with high performance manager Darren Burgess hopeful Walker can recover from a back injury and play his first game since Round 13.

“Tex has got through everything we’ve asked him to do, he had a few minor issues last week, but late last week and in Monday’s session he did really well with a lot of contact, ground balls and everything we’d want him to do in a game,” Burgess said.

“Certainly the longer break helped Tex, I’m not sure he would have played last weekend, but the way he was moving on Monday he did everything we asked.”

Thilthorpe could also return to action this weekend, after suffering a knee injury in the final moments of the Crows’ last pre-season game against West Coast.

The young key forward has added considerable size to his tall frame.

Burgess said there was confidence Thilthorpe would play at some level this weekend.

“He’s been fully training with the team and I’m sure he’ll play at some level this weekend, assuming he gets through training tomorrow (Wednesday),” he said.

“Just a final team training session to get through but I’m sure he will get through and be fine.”

Leadership group member Brodie Smith is also set to play after recovering from knee bone bruising suffered in the SANFL last time out, while Elliott Himmelberg has recovered from surgery on a fractured cheekbone sustained against Collingwood in Round 11.

Ivan Soldo is facing four weeks on the sidelines. Picture: Phil Hillyard

PRESSURE AND INJURIES CONTINUE TO MOUNT AT ALBERTON

Port Adelaide’s woes have been further compounded with wingman Jase Burgoyne set to miss a fortnight with a hamstring strain, while ruckman Ivan Soldo is facing four weeks on the sidelines.

But in a boost to the beleaguered side, important small forward Willie Rioli could return from a calf strain.

The Power are under increasing pressure after three losses in a row, with fans booing senior coach Ken Hinkley in the horrendous loss to Brisbane on Saturday.

Port remain in the top eight, with an 8-6 record, but now face questions around Hinkley’s future as fan pressure and discontent mounts.

The Power next take on St Kilda, who have been one of 2024’s biggest disappointments after playing finals last year.

But in showing just how poorly the Power have been travelling in recent weeks, the Saints are actually the favourites for the Sunday clash at Marvel Stadium despite sitting in 14th.

The Power could have Willie Rioli available for the weekend. Picture: Sarah Reed/Getty Images

The Power could have Rioli available for its increasingly high-stakes match against the Saints, after he was a late withdrawal from the side that was mauled by the Lions.

Rioli, who has become one of the Power’s most important players, was listed as a test on the club’s injury list released on Tuesday.

The Power will be without Burgoyne, after scans revealed a hamstring strain that is expected to keep him out for two weeks.

Port are also set to be without Soldo, who has been its No. 1 ruckman for most of the season, for a month.

While he was originally listed as being omitted for the loss to Brisbane, the Power later said that Soldo was having some issues with scar tissue irritation.

The Power said on Tuesday that he was continuing to manage this and have listed him as four weeks on the sidelines.

Defender Ryan Burton is expected to start running later this week as he recovers from bone bruising in his foot and is three to four weeks away from returning.