AFL protocols force Crows to cancel trial

The Adelaide Crows have hit a hurdle in their preparation for the AFL season, forced to cancel an internal trial match because too many players are unavailable.

The Crows on Wednesday confirmed an unspecified number of players have been temporarily ruled out of action through the competition's health and safety protocols.

Several players, including star wingman Paul Seedsman, are also sidelined through injury. The intra-club hit-out was due to be held on Friday but has now been replaced by a standard training session.

"It is disappointing for our players who were looking forward to showcasing the hard work that they have put into this pre-season for our members and supporters via the live stream," Adelaide football boss Adam Kelly said.

"Our players have had a very strong pre-season and we are excited about taking that momentum into games."

Adelaide is due to face Brisbane in a practice match on February 25 before an official pre-season fixture against cross-town rivals Port Adelaide on March 5.

Port have injury concerns of their own with goalsneak Orazio Fantasia has been sent for knee surgery.

Fantasia will have an operation in Victoria, bypassing South Australia's ban on elective surgery amid the coronavirus pandemic. It will be Fantasia's third knee surgery since May last year after mid-season and post-season operations on his left knee.

Fantasia hasn't trained since early last month because of ongoing soreness in his right knee.

"Hopefully ... that all goes well and he can jump into his rehab and we can have him back sooner rather than later," skipper Tom Jonas told reporters on Wednesday.

Key forward Charlie Dixon was also recently sent interstate for an ankle operation and is in doubt for the premiership season opener on March 19.