Matt Crouch named as test for round 20 after initial fears his season was over

Matt Crouch is in the frame for a stunning return to Adelaide’s senior team only a week after the club thought his season was over.

Adelaide veteran Matt Crouch could return to action this weekend despite being listed as being out for the season on the Crows injury list last week.

Crouch injured his right AC joint during the Crows’ Round 12 loss to Hawthorn on June 1.

He played on but was sent for surgery which the Crows labelled “season-ending”.

But he is sensationally eyeing a return to action as soon as this weekend.

While the prolific midfielder was listed as being out for the season as recently as last week, he is now a test on Adelaide’s injury list.

It comes as his brother Brad’s football future hangs in the balance due to a debiltating knee issue that could force the St Kilda hard nut into retirement.

Adelaide high performance manager Darren Burgess said Crouch woukld have a surgical review this week to determine if he would cleared he could resume contact training and push for selection.

Matt Crouch is a chance to play in round 20. Picture: Sarah Reed/AFL Photos via Getty Images

“In some good news, Matt is preparing to return to play sooner than expected which is a credit to him and the rehabilitation team to have him in this position,” he said.

“The shoulder surgery was a success and he has progressed faster than initially anticipated.

“Matt has continued running while in rehab and if he is given surgical clearance, can resume contact training and work towards being available in coming weeks which is a welcome boost for the team.”

Defenders Josh Worrell and Will Hamill and Irishman Karl Gallagher also set to return to action this week.

“Josh and Will have done plenty of running given the finger and arm injuries they’ve had, they need to get final clearance from the surgeon this week, but they will likely both be available,” Burgess said.

“Karl has done everything we’ve asked of him and has been training really well so he should be available provided he gets through training on Thursday.”

The star midfielder was expected to miss the rest of the season after being injured. Picture: James Elsby/AFL Photos via Getty Images

Fellow defender Nick Murray was cleared of any serious damage to his knee after hyper-extending it against Essendon on Friday night.

Burgess said Murray would miss a maximum of two weeks should he be ruled out.

Jordon Butts, however, will have season-ending foot surgery this week.

“Buttsy has an unstable foot and unfortunately that means he needs to go in for surgery this week,” Burgess said.

“We’re not too sure what the surgery will be at this stage, but he will miss the rest of the season which is unfortunate for him and the team as he’s been playing some really good footy.”

Originally published as Matt Crouch named as test for round 20 after initial fears his season was over