Daniel Talia hopeful but Richard Douglas in doubt

ADELAIDE is hopeful full back Daniel Talia will be fit to play Geelong on Thursday night but has almost certainly ruled out midfielder Richard Douglas due to injury.

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ADELAIDE is hopeful full back Daniel Talia will be fit to play Geelong on Thursday night but has almost certainly ruled out midfielder Richard Douglas due to injury.

Crows assistant coach Matthew Clarke said Monday that Talia (foot) and Douglas (ankle) would both be assessed this week after being hurt in Friday night’s loss to Richmond.

Daniel Talia in pain on the sidelines after injuring his foot. Picture: AAP Image/Julian Smith

Richard Douglas of the Crows walks into the rooms on crutches during the clash with Richmond. Picture: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images

“We’re reasonably bullish on Talia, we haven’t done a lot of training yet but the thought is he probably will get up so that would be good,” Clarke said.

“Any time they can go back on you’re buoyed by that so we will see how he pulls up but at this stage we’re hopeful.”

But the news isn’t as good for Douglas who was unable to play out the game at the MCG.

“Dougy is probably less likely,” Clarke said.

“I know he’s doubtful this week, I can’t give you the long term prognosis, but on the six day turnaround he probably won’t play.”

Sam Gibson against Hawthorn in Round 13. Picture: AAP Image/Julian Smith

Rory Atkins and Sam Gibson both got through the Crows’ SANFL game on Saturday and will be in the mix for selection to play the Cats.

“Most importantly for Sam it was his first game back and I was talking to him — his first game at second-tier level for about seven years,” Clarke said.

“He played pretty well and enjoyed being out there playing footy again so that was the main thing.

“(Atkins) will be a discussion for match committee during the week, the challenge of the SANFL draw conflicting with the AFL draw is those guys have had really short breaks.

“That is a slight factor but ultimately if their form is good enough we’ll pick them.”

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