Boom Adelaide rookie Jake Lever is set for a timely return this week as the Crows prepare to tame the AFL's most in-form attack on Sunday.
Rested from Adelaide's big win over Brisbane, the first-year defender is fit, available and almost certain to come straight back into the team to face West Coast at Adelaide Oval.
Lever's addition will be a huge boost against the Eagles, who tore the Western Bulldogs apart by 77 points on Sunday with chief forwards Josh Kennedy, Josh Hill and Mark LeCras combining to kick 14 goals between them.
"Our defenders have got a really big job ahead of them this week," Crows defender Ricky Henderson said.
Lever, 19, has been a back six revelation for Adelaide this year and Henderson says he will help lighten the load against West Coast, who are a close second behind premiers Hawthorn for most points scored in the AFL.
"He's just really composed, which is really good for a first-year player," Henderson said.
"Down back he just seems to have a lot of time and space.
"His one-on-one stuff's really good as well. Hopefully he's back this week and can do that for us."
The Crows are travelling with confidence and need only one more win to seal their place in the AFL finals.
But the Eagles look a force to be reckoned with after so ruthlessly dismissing the Western Bulldogs, while they also have renewed hope of capturing the minor premiership following Fremantle's loss earlier on Sunday.
"I watched a little bit of it. I turned it off after a while, but they were very good to watch," Henderson said of West Coast's performance.
"Their key forwards have done a really good job throughout the whole year and so have their small forwards.
"But it starts with everyone up the field. As long as we put some pressure on them, the defenders should be alright.
"We just have to keep winning. Whether it's this week or next week, we've just got to get a win at some stage."
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