Rory Sloane trials protective goggles at training, Chris Burgess firms for Crows debut

Rory Sloane continues to ramp up his return to training, using protective goggles to do so. Plus Adelaide look set to name a fresh face in Crows colours in round 1.

Adelaide veteran Rory Sloane has begun to trial wearing protective glasses and goggles to return to contact training following his eye surgery.

The former captain had his second detached retina surgery earlier this year after experiencing the sixth eye issue of his career.

After surgery Sloane said he would “probably look into” getting goggles at some point.

At Crows training on Friday Sloane was trialling a couple of pairs of eyewear as he ramped up his return to training.

He did some drills before going with other players on the sidelines such as Luke Nankervis and Harry Schoenberg when the Crows began match simulation.

Rory Sloane of the Crows trains in winter ski goggles protecting his eye injury. Picture: Mark Brake/Getty Images

Fellow Crows veteran and former captain Taylor Walker was not on the track after he suffered a back spasm.

The Crows talisman is expected to return to training on Monday ahead of Adelaide’s Round 1 clash against Gold Coast next week.

Former Suns utility Chris Burgess is firming to make his debut for the Crows against his former side in the wake of young gun Riley Thilthorpe’s 12 to 14 week meniscus injury.

With Walker out, the Crows had a forward line of Darcy Fogarty, Lachie Gollant and Burgess during match sim.

But Burgess was thrown into the ruck at times in a key sign that he is the man to replace Thilthorpe given his ability to provide support to Reilly O’Brien.

After a strong pre-season game against West Coast, Sam Berry started at half-forward as he pushes his case for Round 1.

Key defender Mark Keane took part in match simulation as he continues his return from a concussion sustained in the trial game against Port Adelaide.