Adelaide Crows defender Josh Worrell’s return from a recent hamstring setback remains uncertain, with the club taking a cautious approach in getting the young backman back on the field. Worrell re-aggravated a previous hamstring injury during the team’s first pre-season match against Fremantle, casting doubt on his chances of playing in Round 1. According to Adelaide’s high-performance boss Darren Burgess, the timeline for Worrell’s return to training will depend on how he responds to treatment in the coming weeks.
Worrell’s setback adds to the team’s defensive challenges, as Andrew McPherson is already sidelined with a knee issue. The 21-year-old played four games at the AFL level last season, following his debut the season prior.
On the other hand, Adelaide draftee Billy Dowling will miss the start of the 2023 home and away season after suffering a foot injury during last week’s match against West Coast. The teenager, who was selected 43rd overall in the 2022 draft, is expected to miss the next 3-5 weeks and will be reassessed after a week of rest. According to Burgess, Dowling’s injury is a joint-related issue in his foot, and he will likely be reintroduced through the SANFL before being considered for selection by head coach Matthew Nicks.
Adelaide will kick off their 2023 home and away campaign against GWS Giants on March 19th at Giants Stadium.
