While still expected to miss around five weeks as he continues to rehabilitate the fractured fibula, the 20-year-old was able to remove his moon boot last Wednesday and is on the cusp of resuming training.

Crouch returned to Ballarat for several days last week as Adelaide prepared for its round four win against St Kilda at Etihad Stadium, and his father Phil said he was in good spirits and raring to go.

“The injury has healed in the right place and he’s all good (at the moment),” Crouch said.

“He’s starting to do stuff back on the bike and on the treadmill but the word is that he’s still probably four to five weeks away.

“With those guys, they start planning when they get back and they’re always kept busy around the club – he’ll probably have a game or two in the SANFL before (he’s ready for senior selection).”

Crouch hails from Central Highlands Football League club Beaufort and is a former North Ballarat Rebel.

He played 14 games in his debut year last season, finishing runner-up in the NAB AFL Rising Star Award to Gold Coast  sensation Jaeger O’Meara.

Younger brother Matt has taken Brad’s place in the Crows’ depleted midfield showing promise is his first few games.

Adelaide will face GWS Giants at Adelaide Oval this Sunday.

michael.pollock@fairfaxmedia.com.au