ADELAIDE, 13 February 2026 – The Adelaide Crows are facing a challenging start to their 2026 AFL campaign as a series of significant pre-season injuries threatens to disrupt the club’s momentum following a finals appearance last year. With the season opener fast approaching, the Crows’ medical room is reaching capacity, forcing the coaching staff to reconsider their Round 1 structure.
Injury Crisis Hits West Lakes
The most significant blow to the Crows’ defensive stocks came last week when influential backman Mark Keane suffered a broken leg during a training mishap. The Irish-born defender has undergone surgery and is expected to be sidelined for at least three months, leaving a massive void in the key defensive posts.
Adding to the selection headaches, second-year midfielder Sid Draper is struggling with a persistent groin issue. Despite high expectations for his sophomore season, Draper’s pre-season has been described as “stop-start,” with his availability for the early rounds now in doubt. Furthermore, young defender Dan Curtin is also managing an injury concern that could impact his availability for the start of the new campaign.
SSP Trialists and List Updates
In response to the mounting injury list, the Crows are actively evaluating talent through the Supplemental Selection Period (SSP). Foot has emerged as the frontrunner to claim the club’s final open list spot after impressing during trials. His “huge amount of energy” has been noted by observers, particularly after fellow trialist Tom McGuane was released from the programme earlier this month.
The club also integrated Finnbar Maley during the trade period, who is now considered a strong chance to feature in the senior side for Round 1 as the club navigates its “changing of the guard.”
Club History and Statistical Profile
Founded in 1990 and entering the AFL in 1991, the Adelaide Crows remain one of the most successful expansion clubs in the league’s history. The club’s identity is built on its back-to-back premierships in the late 1990s and its more recent dominance in the AFLW competition.
| Category | Record/Detail |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1990 (AFL Debut 1991) |
| AFL Premierships | 2 (1997, 1998) |
| AFLW Premierships | 3 (2017, 2019, 2022 S6) |
| Highest Score | 30.8 (188) v Essendon, 2006 |
| Home Ground | Adelaide Oval (since 2014) |
| Finals Appearances | 15 (Men’s Team) |
Looking Ahead: Round 1 Outlook
Despite the injury setbacks, there is a sense of cautious optimism regarding the club’s depth. The “pressure is on” following a finals exit in 2025, but the emergence of new talent and the potential return of veteran leaders provides a silver lining. Analysts suggest the Crows will need to rely heavily on their midfield depth to compensate for a depleted backline in the opening month of the season.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Mark Keane out for?
Mark Keane is expected to miss at least three months of football after suffering a broken leg during pre-season training in early February 2026.
Who is the leading candidate for the Crows’ final list spot?
SSP trialist Foot is currently the favourite to secure the final spot on the Adelaide roster, following the departure of Tom McGuane from the trial programme.
When did the Crows move to Adelaide Oval?
The Adelaide Crows moved their home games from Football Park (AAMI Stadium) to the redeveloped Adelaide Oval at the start of the 2014 AFL season.
How many premierships have the Adelaide Crows won?
The club has won a total of five major premierships: two in the AFL (1997, 1998) and three in the AFLW (2017, 2019, and 2022 Season 6).