Adelaide Crows' promising young midfielder Dan Curtin has been dealt a devastating blow, sustaining a potentially serious knee injury during a pre-season training session.
Training Session Turns Sour
The 20-year-old went down during a wrestling drill and was unable to continue, requiring assistance to leave the field. He was taken from the track on the back of a medicab, a sight that immediately raised concerns among coaching staff and teammates.
7NEWS Adelaide reporter Tom Wilson described the incident as "a cruel blow after what’s been a big pre-season" for the talented player. The injury comes at a particularly frustrating time for Curtin, who had been building impressively towards the 2024 campaign.
A Rising Star Interrupted
Curtin had returned to pre-season training with added strength and had stepped up his plans to cement a role as a permanent inside midfielder. His development had been a major talking point within the club.
Teammate Ben Keays spoke highly of Curtin's potential late last year, while also urging caution about expectations. "It’s definitely a large ceiling," Keays said. "Wary of building him up too much but [he's a] super impressive guy. I was lucky enough to take him in and he lived with me a couple of years ago. It’s really cool to see his growth."
Impact on the Crows' Lineup
The injury is a significant setback for both the player and the club. Curtin was a mainstay in the Adelaide side throughout the 2023 season, playing in all 25 games. His consistency was a key factor as the Crows finished on top of the ladder during the home-and-away season, before their disappointing straight-sets exit from the finals.
The exact nature and severity of the knee injury are yet to be confirmed by the club, with further medical assessment expected. The Crows' medical team will now work to determine a diagnosis and recovery timeline, leaving fans and the football community awaiting further updates on one of the team's most exciting young prospects.
