Adelaide Crows forward Eddie Betts sidelined from AFL clash with Collingwood after having his appendix removed

UPDATE: Crows forward Eddie Betts has been ruled out of Sunday’s Round 19 match against Collingwood at the MCG after undergoing surgery last night. And Brad Crouch looks extremely doubtful too.

Eddie Betts ... taken to hospital on Sunday night. Picture: Sarah Reed

ADELAIDE is banking on best-case returns for Eddie Betts and Brad Crouch in the crucial August 6 Showdown against Port Adelaide.

Betts, held goalless in Adelaide’s heavyweight triumph against Geelong last Friday, felt unwell on Sunday night and required immediate surgery to remove his appendix.

Midfielder Crouch, 22, is to undergo surgery this week on the cheekbone fractured in a volatile clash against the Cats, and is almost certain to join Betts on the sidelines for Sunday’s clash against Collingwood at the MCG.

Adelaide hopes Betts, with 41 goals in 17 games this season, will return in for a blockbuster Showdown which could be vital for each team.

“It is really disappointing, hopefully it a quick recovery. He won’t play this week but hopefully the next week,” said Crows assistant Matt Clarke.

“It will be with the doctors, hopefully it is just a week.

“It wasn’t until Sunday, there was no sign of it post match. The doctors got him in quickly and it was all done and dusted.”

Crows senior medical officer Dr Marc Cesana said Betts was in a good state following the procedure.

“He will not play this weekend as he recovers from surgery and the club will continue to monitor his health before a decision is made on his availability,” Dr Cesana said.

A message from Eddie 👍
📽️: eddiebthe3rd on Instagram#weflyasone pic.twitter.com/99Dyhn9X3C

— Adelaide Crows (@Adelaide_FC) July 24, 2017

Inspirational Riley Knight completed an exceptional shut down role on Geelong skipper Joel Selwood but could return to a half-forward role against the Pies in Betts’ absence.

Upgraded rookie Jono Beech and gifted Troy Menzel also will push for recalls.

Untried left-footer Harrison Wigg made his case for an AFL debut - perhaps in place of Crouch - with 27 touches as best player for Adelaide’s SANFL team against Norwood on Sunday.

“It’s a significant out and provides opportunity. There was have been a number of guys in the SANFL playing good, consistent football,” said Clarke.

“Riley Knight played a different role last week but has been back in that (forward) position. It will probably involve a reshuffle whether it’s a like-for-like swap or someone else fills the role.

“Jono has played some good strong football. Troy has been playing pretty well and another that will be in the mix.”

Brad Crouch wants to front the Magpies despite fracturing a cheekbone against the Cats but there will be no risks taken with the contested ball magnet.

Veteran inside midfielder veteran Scott Thompson could get a career lifeline replacing Crouch.

“It was impressive for us that he (Crouch) was able to play out the game. He is keen to play but we will leave it to medicos,” said Clarke.

“He will not play this weekend as he recovers from surgery and the club will continue to monitor his health before a decision is made on his availability.”

Before the Geelong game, Betts had not been held goalles this season. It was just the third time in 42 games he had failed to score a goal.

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Originally published as Adelaide Crows forward Eddie Betts sidelined from AFL clash with Collingwood after having his appendix removed