Adelaide have backed Paul Seedsman to make a return to the AFL after ongoing concussion symptoms have left him sidelined since December last year.
The 30-year-old played his last game for the Crows in Round 23 of 2021 before suffering a head knock in December which has had lingering effects, ruling him out of a return to the game in 2022.
The wingman has been moved to Adelaide's inactive list as he continues his recovery.
Speaking to media ahead of Adelaide's Round 11 clash against Geelong, head coach Matthew Nicks revealed that he was "optimistic" Seedsman would make a return to football in the future.
"I am optimistic he will play," Nicks said.
"He wants to come back and play footy, it's just that challenge is going to be a physical and a reasonably emotional ride for him over the next six months."
Seedsman made his debut for the Crows in 2016 after four seasons at Collingwood, playing 132 matches across the two clubs and has quickly become a valuable stalwart in the Adelaide side.
"Seedo is a fantastic member of our footy club, he is a fantastic person, so the last thing we want to do is put him at risk and the last thing he wants to do is put himself at risk," Nicks said.
"He is progressing well, he's in a good headspace at the moment.
"But it's going to take time to get his body physically back to where he needs to be and then the mental challenge of coming out after a concussion like he has had.
"It's unfortunate for this year. But we're not going to push him.
"We will do everything we can to make sure we time that right and get him back for next season because he is so important to our group on and off the field."