Jordan Gallucci setback adds to Adelaide Crows injury woes but boom recruit Bryce Gibbs is ready to go

INJURY has once again stalled standout Crows draftee Jordan Gallucci’s breakthrough AFL moment but boom recruit Bryce Gibbs will feature prominently during the JLT series and Taylor Walker is on track for Round 1. See the squad here.

Jordan Gallucci cops heavy attention from Collingwood’s Steele Sidebottom (left) and Jaidyn Stephenson during the AFLX tournament last week. Picture: Calum Robertson

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STAND-OUT Crows draftee Jordan Gallucci’s breakthrough moment in AFL company is again being stalled by injury.

Gallucci, the Crows’ first pick at No. 15 in the 2016 AFL national draft, has a foot injury hurting his chances of selection in the JLT Community Series opener against Fremantle at Strathalbyn on Sunday.

This follows Gallucci being denied the chance to push for AFL action last year with a jaw injury late in the season in the SANFL.

Crows coach Don Pyke entered match committee meetings at West Lakes on Thursday “keen to reward” players who had delivered strong results in summer training.

Gallucci’s right to that reward was put in doubt on Saturday with a minor foot strain that has kept him off the training track.

Adelaide’s big-name recruit from the October trade market, Carlton midfielder Bryce Gibbs, is to play both JLT games against the Dockers and Port Adelaide.

Bryce Gibbs has impressed the Crows during preseason. Picture: Matt Turner

Taylor Walker is being set for Round 1 after a foot injury. Picture: Tom Huntley

Pyke noted Gibbs — “who has not missed a beat” in training — needs maximum game time before the premiership season to adjust to a new playbook and new teammates.

“Bryce has been fantastic,” Pyke said.

“He has done the full training. Now he needs build (on-field) chemistry with other players.”

Adelaide has captain Taylor Walker on the short list of Crows who cannot be considered this week because of injury.

Adelaide is not only without key forward Walker at Strathalbyn, but also his 2017 vice-captain Rory Sloane.

Pyke reported Walker is out of the moon boot that was protecting his injured foot and back in training.

“He is on track and running again,” said Pyke who expects Walker to lead the Crows to Etihad Stadium for the season-opener against Essendon on Friday, March 23.

Adelaide Crows JLT Community Series squad

Josh Jenkins, Matt Crouch, Bryce Gibbs, Jake Kelly, Myles Poholke, Paul Seedsman, Daniel Talia, David Mackay, Luke Brown, Curtly Hampton, Sam Gibson, Rory Atkins, Andy Otten, Sam Jacobs, Kyle Cheney, Tom Lynch, Cam Ellis-Yolmen, Rory Laird, Patrick Wilson, Darcy Fogarty, Elliott Himmelberg, Matt Signorello, Paul Hunter, Harry Dear, Tom Doedee, Ben Davis, Mitch McGovern, Alex Keathm, Reilly O’Brien, Lachlan Murphy