Adelaide's Dan Curtin is being hailed by teammates as one of the AFL's next stars as he prepares for a potential comeback game.
Curtin made a successful return in state league ranks last weekend from a dislocated kneecap suffered in January.
The runner-up of last season's AFL Rising Star award is firmly in Adelaide's selection frame for their grudge game against Port Adelaide.
"Really excited - he has been incredible in his rehab," teammate Ben Keays told reporters on Tuesday.
"He has attacked it. He's so important to our group on and off the field.
"You saw his form last year: he really flourished into one of the next stars of the competition so it would be great to have him back out there."
Curtin and midfielder Jake Soligo (ankle) pressed their claims at Tuesday training, ahead of the club travelling to Robe in SA's south-east on Wednesday to support captain Jordan Dawson.
Dawson's older brother Jaryd died in the seaside township 12 days ago.
"Absolutely, we're going to support Daws however he needs, support his family, as a club" Keays said.
"And whatever he needs, we will be there for him."
Dawson missed a one-point win over St Kilda and returned for Adelaide's 52-point drubbing from reigning premiers Brisbane.
Keays said Adelaide's Friday night fixture against arch-rival Port Adelaide required a rapid switch of focus from the sour Brisbane trip.
"We had a chat after the game, obviously we have got to move on pretty quick given it's a short week," he said.
"It was a quick meeting around not at the level and beaten by a much better side. I'm sure we will get to work on the training track.
"There's no better opportunity to set our minds to the next task and that's this Friday night in a Showdown; it's great for the group to look at the next challenge."
