Dual Adelaide best-and-fairest winner Rory Laird will miss up to six weeks after breaking his hand in a major blow for the Crows' bid to rise up the AFL ladder.
The midfielder was injured during the third quarter of the Crows' pre-season loss to Port Adelaide on Saturday.
Results from a scan revealed a break to Laird's right hand, with the club hopeful he will avoid surgery.
Adelaide say Laird will be out for between four and six weeks.
"Rory had X-rays on Sunday which confirmed our preliminary thoughts post-game that he had fractured his hand," Crows high performance boss Darren Burgess said.
"At this stage we don't believe it will require surgery however he will meet a hand specialist this week for further assessment.
"It's unfortunate timing given there are two weeks until round one but the injury is not expected to hinder his ability to run and stay fit and we will look forward to him returning in the early part of the season."
Laird will definitely miss the Crows' season-opener against Fremantle at Adelaide Oval on March 20, and will also likely sit out clashes with Collingwood and the Power.
The 28-year-old claimed last year's Malcolm Blight Medal, adding to the won he picked up in 2018.
Laird is a two-time All-Australian, having been awarded the honour in 2017 and 2018.
The Crows are continuing their rebuild under coach Matthews Nicks, finishing 15th last year after collecting the club's first wooden spoon back in 2020.
