Adelaide utility Patrick Dangerfield has a fractured hand and will miss the next four AFL matches.

In another blow to the winless Crows, Dangerfield fractured his left hand when he ran into a goal post during Adelaide's loss to the Western Bulldogs last Friday.

The 20-year-old played out the game and had inconclusive x-rays on Tuesday, before an MRI scan later revealed the fracture, a club spokesman said Wednesday.

Dangerfield has been a shining light in an otherwise dull season for the Crows, who are languishing in 15th spot on the ladder.

The Crows are hopeful key defender Nathan Bock will play against arch rival Port Adelaide on Saturday, after missing the past two matches with a hamstring strain.

But wingman David Mackay has already been ruled out of the Port clash due to a groin strain which also sidelined him last weekend.

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