Western Bulldogs coach Brendan McCartney is upbeat defender Dale Morris will be ready to return from an ankle injury on Sunday.
Morris was sorely missed in the Bulldogs’ 28-point loss to Carlton in round five, when Jarrad Waite and Lachie Henderson kicked a combined eight goals.
Having served a one-match suspension for tripping, Morris is free to take on Adelaide at Etihad Stadium this weekend if fit.
“We’re pretty optimistic he’ll play,” McCartney said.
“He’s a tough character.
“He was in a (moon) boot all week. If you saw him you’d say he’s no chance, but that’s more to protect it.”
The Crows piled on a combined 41 goals in their past two matches, with Patrick Dangerfield kicking five goals against Greater Western Sydney.
McCartney said his side’s defence would need to stand up against Adelaide, with or without Morris.
“If he doesn’t (play), some of those boys that had good moments and horror moments for us today have just got to butter up and play for us again.”
McCartney suggested Morris and fellow backman Jordan Roughead, who remains sidelined with a shoulder injury, would not have saved his side against Carlton given the ease and frequency with which the ball came into their backline.
“The game was way too open. It was circle work,” he said.
“What we can’t do is dwell on it too much. We have to deal with the reality of what the game thew up, pick the right team and hook in again.”