Crows regain spark ahead of AFL season

After a dismal 2018 campaign, there is cause for optimism at Adelaide with the Crows closing in on having a full-strength team for their AFL season opener.

Rory Sloane had a strong showing on his return from injury for Adelaide Crows. (AAP)

Even an average pre-season would have topped last year's turmoil for Adelaide, instead the Crows will enter their AFL season opener in top shape.

Injuries and an infamous pre-season camp derailed the Crows' 2018 campaign, coming off a horror grand final loss in 2017.

Don Pyke's team tumbled down the ladder to finish 12th, with the camp and organisers Collective Mind never far from the headlines.

But with that behind them, the Crows will head into the round one clash with Hawthorn close to full-strength following JLT Series wins against arch-rival Port Adelaide and finals contender GWS.

Midfielder Brad Crouch impressed in Friday night's 18-point victory over the Giants to the delight of Crows fans who didn't see him for the entire 2018 season because of injury.

Co-captain Rory Sloane was another who battled injuries last year, but he gathered 28 possessions in an exciting display in signs he could return to his best.

Their combination with Matt Crouch and ruckman Sam Jacobs in the middle will be crucial if Adelaide to reclaim their competition powerhouse status.

David Mackay and Hugh Greenwood have been battling injuries, but are pushing to be fit to battle the Hawks on March 23.

Pyke said there would be some unlucky players to miss selection in round one.

"The squad's in a good spot. There's strong internal competition for spots, you can see there are guys who are a bit stiff to be out of the team," the Crows coach said.

"We've had two games against two good opposition so I was really happy with the guys performed."