Adelaide midfielder Cam Ellis-Yolmen will miss the looming AFL season because of a knee injury in another blow to the Crows' onball stocks.
The 24-year-old, who had been earmarked for a berth as the Crows seek to rejuvenate their midfield, requires a right knee reconstruction after rupturing the anterior cruciate ligament in a pre-season game against Richmond last Friday.
The Crows are already without three key midfielders this pre-season with vice-captain Rory Sloane (fractured eye socket), Brad Crouch (hamstring) and veteran Scott Thompson (shoulder) on the injured list.
While the trio are expected to push for selection for the premiership season opener on March 26, Ellis-Yolmen's injury is a blow to coach Don Pyke's stated plans of finding more midfield versatility in the coming season.
Ellis-Yolmen, who played only two of his 14 AFL games last season when frequently on the cusp of selection, was hurt in Adelaide's loss to the Tigers.
"The injury is really disappointing for both Cam and the club," the Crows' head of football Brett Burton said in a statement on Tuesday.
"We were excited about him pushing his claims for round one selection.
"We will consult a specialist this week with the view to Cam having surgery which will unfortunately rule him out for the season."
Adelaide sought to bolster their midfield ranks in the trade period but missed out on luring Carlton's Bryce Gibbs while losing seasoned onballer Jarryd Lyons to Gold Coast.
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