Adelaide co-captain Taylor Walker has launched a spirited defence of his out-of-sorts teammate Josh Jenkins.
The Crows have won all three games since Jenkins was dropped from the AFL.
But Walker says Jenkins remains a valued AFL player at the Crows despite his form slump.
"JJ ... is working his butt off to get back into the side," Walker said.
"He's a valuable member of our football club so if we can get him in as soon as we can, he is going to help our footy club go forward."
Asked why Jenkins attracted much media debate, Walker told reporters: "I suppose you guys need someone to whip, don't you."
"He is a good player, that is why he's important to us," Walker said.
"He's just not in the form that he would like to be ... there's still areas that Josh himself wants to get better at."
Jenkins' dual role as a key forward and ruck back-up has been filled impressively by novice Elliott Himmelberg.
"He is a smart kid," Walker said of four-gamer Himmelberg.
"He reads the play really well, his leading patterns are outstanding and he's competitive.
"He has has fitted in just nicely and is playing some good footy."
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