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Key duo on verge of return for stunned Crows

Steve LarkinAAP
Adelaide's Darcy Fogarty is hoping to return for the Showdown against Port Adelaide. (Joel Carrett/AAP PHOTOS)
Camera IconAdelaide's Darcy Fogarty is hoping to return for the Showdown against Port Adelaide. (Joel Carrett/AAP PHOTOS) Credit: AAP

Adelaide key forward Darcy Fogarty and young gun Dan Curtin are pressing to return as they digest their heavy loss to the Brisbane Lions.

The reigning premiers dished out a 52-point hiding to the stunned Crows, who face a short turnaround before meeting arch foes Port Adelaide.

"I don't think there'll be any lack of motivation for Friday night's game, so we won't have to worry about that," coaching director Murray Davis said on return at Adelaide Airport on Monday.

Fogarty has missed the past three games with a back disc problem, but is nearing a return.

"He trained really well, he had a big session on the weekend," Davis said.

"Yeah, he'll be probably one that will be putting his hand up as well, he's not too far away.

The Game NRL 2026

"He's probably a bit closer than a couple of the others."

That batch includes prized recruit Callum Ah Chee, still a couple of weeks from returning from a hamstring strain, but on-baller Jake Soligo appears set for a recall.

Soligo, who dealt with an irregular heartbeat issue in pre-season, hasn't played since suffering an ankle injury in the round-five win over Carlton.

The 20-year-old amassed 39 disposals and kicked two goals in state league ranks, alongside Curtin who, in his first game since a dislocated knee in January, collected 18 touches to hearten Crows hierarchy.

"Jake was able to get his hands on the footy and we were able to see some of Dan's workrate stuff as well," Murray said.

"So nice to have those magnets on the board to discuss and they'll certainly be in the mix for Friday night."

Last year's minor premiers are wobbling in 13th spot with three wins and four defeats.

Adelaide's Sunday loss against the Lions at the Gabba is the Crows' biggest since round 21, 2024.

"That's what happens when you play the best teams: you find out what your gaps are, and we'll get to work on that," Davis said.

"The game got away from us for periods there and we weren't able to go with a very good team, so our challenge is to work our way through that."

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