Crows forward is in form and ready for recall, says teammate Richard Douglas

ADELAIDE stalwart Richard Douglas says gifted forward Troy Menzel is poised for a swift recall against Essendon on Saturday night, with Josh Jenkins still dealing with a rib injury.

Crow Troy Menzel in action against GWS. He may be in line for a recall. Picture: Tom Huntley

ADELAIDE stalwart Richard Douglas says gifted forward Troy Menzel is poised for a swift recall against Essendon on Saturday night, with Josh Jenkins still dealing with a rib injury.

Menzel failed to debut for Adelaide last season due to injury and a settled line-up but Mitch McGovern’s serious hamstring tear has opened the path for the Carlton recruit.

Menzel pressed his case for inclusion booting two goals in the Crows’ thrilling SANFL win against Sturt on Sunday.

“Quite possibly, he was stiff to miss out in Round 2, played well yesterday in the SANFL so if he gets his opportunity I am sure he will take it,” said Douglas of Menzel, who featured in the Crows’ season opening thrashing of Greater Western Sydney at Adelaide Oval.

“Everyone has real confidence in what he can bring to the table and do a good job.”

Menzel would be set for an extended run if scans prove McGovern tore a right hamstring tendon in Adelaide’s 17-point Showdown win last Saturday night.

“He is sore and it looks like he has done a good job on it. We will check with the scans but if he is out someone will get an opportunity and play a role for a us,” said 198-game midfielder Douglas of McGovern.

Douglas said Jenkins would be “pretty close” to resuming from rib bruising sustained in the Round 2 win against Hawthorn at the MCG but the power forward must prove his fitness this week.

“Obviously he wasn’t quite right at the weekend.

“He will be assessed and tested this week, we are not quite sure where he is at. He hasn’t done a lot of work so will have to tick a few boxes but if he can do that he will put his hand up for selection.”

Douglas noted Brad Crouch’s matchwinning, 40-touch return SANFL return against Sturt on Sunday was evidence of the depth and competition for spots at West Lakes.

“We were confident going into this season we had the players who could take us to the next level,” said Douglas, among Adelaide’s best with 29 touches against Port.

Charlie Cameron will face Essendon after being offered a reprimand for engaging in rough conduct against Port Adelaide defender Dan Houston.

Cameron was cited by the Match Review Panel for making late and high contact with Houston in the third quarter of Showdown 42 at Adelaide Oval.

The incident was assessed as careless conduct with low impact to the head, and classified as a $1,500 sanction.

Port ruckman Paddy Ryder was offered a one-match ban for striking Crows forward Riley Knight.

The final-quarter incident was assessed as intentional conduct with low impact to the head, and classified as a two-match sanction.

Ryder, who has no applicable record which impacts the penalty, can accept a one-match sanction with an early plea.