Carlton's two-man sandwich job on Jason Porplyzia failed to get the Blues over the line on Saturday but it may yet succeed in keeping the gifted Adelaide forward out of action this week.

Steven Browne and Bret Thornton combined, perhaps intentionally, to leave Porplyzia slumped on the AAMI Stadium turf in the second quarter, and the heavy nature of the knock has him only an outside chance of coming up in time to face Richmond on Sunday.

Porplyzia's loose shoulder, which popped out again at the time, is less of a concern to Adelaide's medical staff than the concussion and other effects of the hit.

Though the loss of Porplyzia for this week would be a blow, the Crows are now decidedly upbeat about the remainder of 2008, having put themselves in a legitimate position to challenge for the AFL top four.

Decorated veteran Andrew McLeod plays his 300th game for the club this week, and said wins over Sydney and Carlton had sent a rush of optimism through Adelaide's West Lakes headquarters.

"Its amazing that just a couple of weeks ago it was all doom and gloom - Its nice to be back in the winners circle," McLeod said.

"We've given ourselves a chance and we're back amongst it.

"The beauty of it is that we hold the cards for our own destiny as a footy club this year and that's how you want it to be.

"You don't want to be relying on other teams to do things for you, you've got to do it yourself."

McLeod said the Carlton win had been a tremendous tonic in terms of demonstrating how wins can be achieved through an even contribution, particularly after Porplyzia and young centreman Chris Knights (hamstring), left the field.

"That's probably the best we've done for awhile, in terms of having everybody contributing," McLeod said.

"Porps goes down and someone else steps up, so its all about picking up the rope and everybody just contributing their bit to our overall performance."

Richmond are, like Carlton, a young team pushing to squeeze into the top eight, and McLeod said it would again be a willing contest between two sides with much to gain.

"It's something we really look forward to, it's another chance for us to play on our home deck and in front of our own supporters, so we'll be fired up as well," he said.

"Our destiny is in our own hands, so it's up to us to put the right performance together."

The Crows are still unable to consider Trent Hentschel after the key position player again strained a hamstring in the SANFL as he continues a gruelling return from serious knee surgery.

But Brent Reilly looms as the ideal replacement for Knights following his recovery from a knee strain.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP