Adelaide Crows' Dan Curtin Set for Injury Comeback This Weekend
Adelaide Crows young gun Dan Curtin is on the verge of a highly anticipated return from injury, with his comeback described as a "massive" boost for the team. Curtin dislocated his knee during a wrestling drill at pre-season training in January, but he is now tipped to make his return in state league ranks this weekend.
Teammate Excitement Over Curtin's Return
Teammate Josh Worrell expressed significant enthusiasm about Curtin's imminent return, stating, "Massive ... very excited." Worrell highlighted Curtin's impressive performance from the previous season, noting, "We all saw what he did back end of last year, so for him to come out and hopefully dominate in the same space he was in last year will be amazing for our team."
Curtin, who was runner-up behind Fremantle's Murphy Reid in last season's AFL Rising Star award, has been making waves during pre-season training. He was shifted into Adelaide's midfield, leaving a strong impression on his teammates.
Curtin's Midfield Move and Physical Development
Worrell emphasized the impact of Curtin's move to the midfield, saying, "Him going into the midfield was massive for us." He also praised Curtin's physical development, noting, "And then just the actual size he's put on, it's incredible — and for him to be able to move how he does at that sort of height and size, I think he's a unicorn."
Standing at 197cm tall and weighing 95kg, Curtin has shown dedication and skill, with Worrell adding, "He's a dedicated man. He loves playing footy and doing the small things, right. He's going to be ahead of schedule, I assume. So he's in a good spot."
Team Context and Upcoming Match
While Curtin nears his return, captain Jordan Dawson remained absent from training at West Lakes on Tuesday following the death of his brother last week. Despite this, the Crows logged an emotional one-point triumph over St Kilda, squaring their win-loss record at three-three.
The Crows are set to meet the reigning premiers, Brisbane Lions, at the Gabba on Saturday. Their last four clashes have been closely contested, with:
- Two wins for the Brisbane Lions
- One victory for the Crows
- One draw
All of these matches were decided by 11 points or less, setting the stage for another intense encounter as Curtin's return adds depth and excitement to the Adelaide lineup.
