Adelaide young gun Dan Curtin is on the cusp of a comeback from injury in what's being described as a "massive" boost for the Crows.
Curtin dislocated his knee in a wrestling drill at pre-season training in January, but is tipped to return in state league ranks this weekend.
"Massive ... very excited," teammate Josh Worrell said of Curtin's imminent return.
"We all saw what he did back end of last year, so for him to come out and hopefully dominate in the same space he was in last year will be amazing for our team."
Curtin was runner-up behind Fremantle's Murphy Reid in last season's AFL Rising Star award.
"Him going into the midfield was massive for us," ut he was shifted into Adelaide's midfield during pre-season training, leaving immediate impressions on his teammate.
"Him going into the midfield was massive for us," Worrell said of the 197cm tall, 95kg Curtin.
"And then just the actual size he's put on, it's incredible - and for him to be able to move how he does at that sort of height and size, I think he's a unicorn.
"He's a dedicated man. He loves playing footy and doing the small things, right.
"He's going to be ahead of schedule, I assume. so he's in a good spot."
While Curtin nears a return, captain Jordan Dawson remained absent from West Lakes at Tuesday training after the death of his brother last week.
The Crows, without their skipper, logged an emotional one-point triumph over St Kilda to square their win-loss record at three-three.
The Crows meet the reigning premiers at the Gabba on Saturday - their last four clashes have been decided by 11 points or less, with two Brisbane Lions wins, one victory for the Crows, plus a draw.
