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Steve Larkin

Adelaide key defender pressing to take on red-hot Hogan

Adelaide's Nick Murray hopes to return from injury against GWS. (James Ross/AAP PHOTOS)

Adelaide fullback Nick Murray will press to return from a knee injury - to stand GWS attacking ace Jesse Hogan.

Murray jarred a knee at training and has missed the past two matches - Adelaide's two defeats of the year.

Giants spearhead Hogan kicked two more goals in a 28-point win over St Kilda, taking the reigning Coleman medallist's tally to 16 in three games.

Murray will rejoin main training ahead of Saturday's Adelaide Oval clash between the Crows (3-2) and Giants (4-1).

"For the chemistry of the backline, his is a pivotal role," Murray's fellow defender Josh Worrell told reporters on Monday.

Worrell
Josh Worrell says the Crows will learn lots from their loss to Geelong. (Richard Wainwright/AAP PHOTOS)

"We have played so much footy in the SANFL and AFL together, and so has Mark (Keane) played a lot of footy with him.

"So us as three key backs really helps."

After starting the season with three wins, the Crows have lost twice in a row while conceding big scores.

Geelong amassed 119 points against them in their Gather Round win last Thursday night, Gold Coast put 91 points past the Crows the week prior.

Crows' Worrell suggests that a host of uncharacteristic errors led to Geelong gaining momentum (Steve Larkin)

Worrell believed it was little things causing the Crows bigger problems.

"A lot of mistakes, just fundamentally, like with our ball use," Worrell said.

"It's one of those things where just a few little mistakes can cost you and I felt like we had a few of them and they (Geelong) were able to take advantage.

"We've got a pretty incredible group.

"I think hopefully, long-term, a few losses won't be the worst thing for us, it will hold us in good stead.

"I feel like we're at a stage that we want to keep taking on these better sides and unfortunately, we weren't able to do that."

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