Channel 7 commentator Kane Cornes has raised questions over Adelaide's handling of Izak Rankine's calf injury. Rankine suffered a calf strain during the third quarter of last week's loss to Hawthorn in Tasmania.
Despite appearing to suffer a strain, the Crows' medical staff applied deep heat to his calf in the hope of getting him back on the field. He was eventually iced up and ruled out of the match. The following day the club confirmed a 'moderate' calf strain but has not provided a timeframe for his return.
Cornes expressed disbelief at the treatment, saying on The Agenda Setters, 'If you've torn a calf and you rubbed deep heat into it, not good recovery, I don't think.' He also noted Rankine's increased midfield time—97 per cent between Rounds 8 and 11 compared to 25 per cent in his first six games—may have contributed to the injury.
The Crows have a bye this week before hosting Geelong next Thursday. Riley Thilthorpe will miss that game due to a one-match ban for striking, with Taylor Walker a likely replacement.
