Adelaide depth ruckman Kieran Strachan is likely to be sidelined for the next four months while recovering from foot surgery.
Strachan reported foot soreness during last week's training, with scans showing an acute navicular stress fracture in his right foot.
The Crows sent the 29-year-old in for surgery last Friday and is hopeful of resuming running in 10 weeks.
Strachan has played seven AFL games since being taken with Pick 7 in the 2019 Rookie Draft, falling behind the likes of Sam Jacobs and Reilly O'Brien.
The Victorian was seen on two occasions in 2024, when O'Brien was axed to the SANFL in Rounds 15 and 16.
Strachan was taken on by the West Lakes club as a development ruckman.
He has won three best and fairest for the Crows' SANFL side, claiming three out of the past four awards.
Strachan's injury will place a larger reliance on O'Brien to deliver in the early part of the season, while key forward Riley Thilthorpe will claim the supporting ruck role.
