Adelaide captain Taylor Walker says being suspended for the rest of the AFL season sums up his horror year.
Walker has opted not to contest a two-game ban for a slinging tackle which knocked out GWS star Josh Kelly during Saturday's game.
"It probably sums up my season, very challenging for me individually and us as a footy team," Walker told Triple M radio on Tuesday.
Walker's Crows can't make the playoffs, a dramatic slide since losing last year's grand final against Richmond.
The key forward has endured troubled times since Adelaide's grand final flop - he missed the entire pre-season competition because of a foot injury.
Walker also missed five games in the premiership season because of injury and has been suspended twice - his latest ban follows a one-match suspension last month for a high bump on Geelong's Zach Tuohy.
The 28-year-old said his foot ailment had bothered him all season and he was also suffering groin soreness.
Walker said his body was "crying out for a bit of rest" but was uncertain if surgery was required.
"I haven't worked that out yet, I don't think so," he said.
"My groins and foot are still a bit sore but I have played with them for most of the year.
"So two weeks off will give me a head start on pre-season for next year. I'm going to start ASAP, it gives me two weeks head start on everyone else."
Walker accepted his latest suspension, realising he was in strife because Kelly was injured - the Giant midfielder was concussed and didn't return to action.
"They (league hierarchy) are so protective of the head and if the consequence is they're knocked out or hit their head, then you're in trouble.
"Disappointing, but that's the way the rules go and that's where footy is now."
Meanwhile, the Crows will also be without defender Kyle Hartigan for the remainder of the season - he has missed the past four games because of a knee injury.
Fellow backman Daniel Talia (leg) is unlikely to be available for Sunday's Adelaide Oval fixture against North Melbourne while Riley Knight (knee) and winger Paul Seedsman (hamstring) will push for recalls.
