The AFL season of Adelaide defender Phil Davis appears over, with scans expected to confirm he needs a shoulder reconstruction.

Davis dislocated his right shoulder in Adelaide's 19 point victory over St Kilda on Saturday night.

The 20-year-old was returning from a two-week absence due to a sprain in the same shoulder, which was reconstructed in 2008 before he was signed by the Crows.

"It has been dislocated, so it's not good news," Adelaide coach Neil Craig said.

"What that means long term, whether it is rehab or surgery, we won't know until early in the week.

"It's disappointing for Phil because he's a key player for us and he's developing into an important player.

"I love his attitude to footy and it's just disappointing for our supporters when that sort of injury occurs."

Craig has already this season lost forward Jason Porplyzia to a shoulder reconstruction, while winger David Mackay is sidelined for three months with a shoulder injury.

Half-forward Ricky Henderson suffered a corked thigh in a win over the Saints which Craig said was educational for his players.

"It is just another lesson for us," he said.

"We had nine players with less than 20 games, so for that team to play against a side that has played in the last three grand finals ... it was a great experience for those nine players in particular.

"Now what we have got to do is make sure we keep pushing them very hard."

Spearhead Kurt Tippett kicked four goals against the Saints, all from set shots which historically troubled the former basketballer.

"What you now know is Kurt is capable of doing it so you can keep the heat on him," Craig said.

"He has been working hard on that ... and he's starting to get rewards, and they were really important, we talk about finishing all the time."

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