Mixed injury news for key backs after epic Crows win

Crows' Nick Murray, who was subbed out with a knee injury, has not suffered another ACL rupture. (James Ross/AAP PHOTOS)

Adelaide defender Nick Murray has avoided another serious knee injury but teammate Jordon Butts has been sidelined with a foot issue after the thrilling win over Essendon.

Trailing by 15 points with seven minutes remaining, the Crows kicked the final three of Friday night's captivating shootout at Marvel Stadium to pinch an unlikely two-point win.

Josh Rachele booted the matchwinner, burying demons of a performance against the Bombers earlier in the season he conceded he was disappointed with.

Crows coach Matthew Nicks feared an "emotional" Murray had ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament for the second time in as many seasons when the key defender was subbed off during the first quarter.

Murray hyperextended his left knee in just his fifth game back from a long lay-off with the previous injury in the same joint.

Jordon Butts
Adelaide's Jordon Butts will miss some games after suffering a foot injury against Essendon.

But Crows high performance manager Darren Burgess revealed on Saturday scans had provided positive news.

"We are very pleased that the ACL has not been ruptured and there is no significant damage to Nick's knee," Burgess said.

"We took a no-risk approach to sub him out on Friday night and he will consult his specialist this week about the next steps.

"Best case scenario is he is available for selection next weekend, but again we will be conservative with him given his recovery from a knee reconstruction last year."

Fellow key defender Butts also failed to finish Friday night's match, with scans revealing a Lisfranc injury in his left foot.

"Unfortunately, Jordon will miss some football but we need more information on the injury before knowing exactly how long he will be out for," Burgess said.

"It is obviously disappointing for him, but he will require further assessment before any decision is made."

Adelaide will face Hawthorn next week without captain Jordan Dawson, who failed a concussion test.

But veteran Taylor Walker will return to boost a forward line who kicked 17 goals, including nine during a devastating second-quarter spell.

"'Tex' (Walker) will be hopefully freshened up," Crows coach Matthew Nicks said.

"Hopefully he's looked after himself this week and we go into a (big) break now ... he'll come back in, bring that leadership ahead of the ball."

Despite sitting 14th and two-and-a-half games outside of the top-eight with five games to play, Nicks is not content just making up numbers for the rest of the season.

"We're still a chance, aren't we," he said when asked about trying to create problems for finals contenders in the run home.

"Our aim is to finish the season off really strongly. We don't know when that is yet."

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