Adelaide's start to the 2011 AFL season has been thrown into chaos with four players injured during their 24-point loss to Carlton at Visy Park.

The Blues, meanwhile, will have their own problems with key defender Michael Jamison reported after a heavy collision with Adelaide's Ricky Henderson which left the young Crow concussed.

The most seriously injured player appears to be Adelaide defender Brodie Martin, with genuine concerns the 22-year-old reinjured his left knee that was reconstructed in 2009.

He will undergo tests in the coming two days to reveal the full extent of damage.

Key forward Kirk Tippett could miss the start of the season after picking up an ankle injury, while mature-age rookie Ian Callinan tore his right bicep from the bone and is expected to miss three months of football.

Adelaide coach Neil Craig said they would "keep their fingers crossed" for Martin, hoping the injury was not as doctors feared after their 15.10 (100) to 11.10 (76) defeat.

"It has been a long rehabilitation for him with the last one and I don't think the competition wants to see that, with players having that sort of injury, so we just keep our fingers crossed," he said.

It was a horror game for the Crows, who made a good start but were soon cruelled by injury.

Tippett kicked the opening goal of the match, but was soon sidelined for the rest of the day after falling awkwardly attempting to mark in the goal square.

The 23-year-old, who suffered a serious ankle injury last season, was carried from the field by two trainers and later appeared on the bench using crutches.

The injury capped off a bad day for Tippett, who was involved in a car accident on his way to Adelaide airport on Friday morning.

The Crows must return to Melbourne and Carlton's home ground again next week when they face Richmond in another practice match.

Carlton's Jamison can expect a delayed start to his season after his head-high shepherd on Henderson.

Henderson's neck was placed in a brace although he joined teammates on the bench midway through the second quarter.

Surprisingly, Craig said the match had been a good hit out and gave the Crows the reality check they needed.

"It was a step up for us from what we have played against so far," he said.

"No matter what game you play, you can't put people in cotton wool because we need to get out and practice."

Carlton coach Brett Ratten was pleased with his team's competitive showing after a slow start.

"Through parts of the game it became very intense and a lot of collisions and that was very pleasing, it's something you want out of a game, and most of the players have bruises and knocks, but we came through well," he said.

Carlton will bring back several experienced players, including Andrew Carrazzo, Lachie Henderson and Brock McLean for next week's practice match against Geelong.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP