Crows flying in face of improving opposition

EIGHTH-RANKED Adelaide are bracing for a tough contest against the Suns despite their lowly place on the AFL ladder.

Despite their stronger position in the competition standings, Adelaide’s coaching staff know the return of key Suns players will make their opponents a much tougher option.

“The last month they go back to somewhere near a fit squad and we are starting to see their form really pick up and starting to see what they can do,” Crows assistant coach Matthew Clarke said of Rodney Eades’ Suns.

“Gary Ablett coming back makes a big difference to them.”

Crows star Rory Sloane is still to decide whether he will don protective gear and become Adelaide’s masked man resuming from the cheekbone fractured in Round 13 against Brisbane at the Gabba.

Wearing a helmet is no sign of weakness with Clarke noting the hardest man he played with – former Brisbane premiership half-back Shaun Hart – used head gear.

“Shaun Hart was probably the toughest I played with. It is a necessary precaution for Sloaney and I don’t see it affecting his performance,” said Clarke, who has admirably assumed midfield and ruck duties with Scott Camporeale appointed interim head coach.

While Sloane will be priceless at the stoppages in slippery conditions, Adelaide are not expecting too much from a 2013 club champion who is recovering from a second cheekbone injury this season.

“Sloaney has had an unfortunate season but getting out there he is a really important player for us,” Clarke said.

“He has had six weeks out. Obviously first-up our expectations have to be realistic.”

Sloane, if he plays, will replace Matt Crouch.