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Nigel Smart not washed up yet

Adelaide midfieder Tyson Stenglein believes veteran Nigel Smart's career should see a final Indian summer before it slides into a permanent winter recess.

The Advertiser reports today that Stenglein, Adelaide's centre clearance specialist this season, is counting on Smart's eventual return.

Regardless, the Crows must find a defensive foil for Essendon Coleman Medallist Matthew Lloyd on Friday night at AAMI Stadium.

"Someone's going to get the big job this week. It could be a Bassett or a Nigel Smart coming back into the side and getting a job like that," said Stenglein of the looming assignment on Lloyd.

"It will be up to the coaching staff how we tackle that but he will be a hard player to stop. I think we have the players that can do it."

But Adelaide games record-holder Smart (276) will have to overcome a "tweaked" lower-leg sustained 20 minutes into yesterday's session at AAMI Stadium if he is to reclaim his spot in the side from Nathan Bock. He will be assessed by Crows medicos this morning ahead of Friday's sell-out clash.

Smart, dropped after Adelaide's round-four loss against St Kilda, was again first out at training yesterday. He still retains staunch support within the playing group.

"Nigel has been a great player for the club and his record speaks for itself. The players will be looking forward to him getting back in the side," Stenglein said. "I believe he is playing good consistent footy and I am sure he will be up there for selection this week."