Adelaide face a number of difficult calls on long-serving veterans after their trying AFL season ends against reigning premiers Richmond on Saturday.
The Crows enter the clash with their 2017 grand final nemesis full of confidence after winning their last three games.
A major upset at Adelaide Oval would ensure the Crows leapfrog North Melbourne into 17th on the ladder and avoid the first wooden spoon in their 30-year history.
But attention is already turning to how the club rebuilds its proud reputation on the field.
Adelaide coach Matthew Nicks "would love to know" immediately if midfielder Brad Crouch wants to pursue free agency, as expected.
"We've been really open with our chats so I'm really comfortable Brad knows where I sit as far as where we'd like to head," Nicks told reporters on Friday.
But unassuming wingman David Mackay, who returns from the first suspension of his career to play the Tigers, looks like getting another contract.
"There's a few, in previous weeks, we've had conversations with - 'DMack' is not one of those. We feel his form this season has been really strong," Nicks said.
But Nicks concedes nothing is off the table with list sizes and soft caps to be slashed as a result of the financial implications of COVID-19.
"There's going to be a lot of people who won't be going forward in the industry, both on and off the field. This is a really challenging time," he said.
After missing last Sunday's victory over Carlton, defender Daniel Talia is back in the line-up for his 200th game.
Taylor Walker also sat out the clash with the Blues, but he will slot back into the Crows' forward line needing just one goal to break Tony Modra's all-time club goal-kicking record on 440.
Adelaide will face a Richmond team that welcomes back dual premiership players Shane Edwards, David Astbury and Josh Caddy.
Versatile defender Edwards hasn't played since round five after remaining in Melbourne to be with his partner for the birth of their daughter.
Young tall Mabior Chol returns in place of ruckman Ivan Soldo, who ruptured his ACL in last week's win against Geelong.
Dashing midfielder Shai Bolton has been ruled out with a corked calf but is expected to be right for the Tigers' first final.
Australian Associated Press
