Lachlan Murphy is facing a lengthy stint on the sidelines following the Crows decision to book the forward in for surgery on a long-term neck injury.
Adelaide confirmed the 23-year-old had played his past pair of campaigns under the duress of a bulging disc in his neck and that Murphy would go under the knife after aggravating the ailment twice this off-season.
The manner in which Murphy sustained these dual setbacks is not yet known.
In an official statement released by the West Lakes club on Friday afternoon, Crows High Performance Manager Darren Burgess stated the Victorian would be forced off the training track for the next three months.
“While it’s disappointing for Lachlan to be missing the second half of the pre-season, the decision to have surgery will give him the best chance to return to football in full health,” Burgess told afc.com.au.
“We are pleased by the amount of work he has been able to do to this point and are confident he will return to his best this season.”
Although the historical injury would see a delay to the ex-Northern Knight's fifth season in the City of Churches, Murphy is tipped to return to full-contact training prior to the commencement of Round 1.
Murphy has slotted 47-goals from 59-games in a tri-coloured guernsey since first joining the club with the 38th selection of the 2018 Rookie Draft.
The half-forward remains contracted to the Crows until the cessation of the 2023 season.