Adelaide defender Mitch Hinge is set to be out of action for up to five weeks after scans confirmed a moderate hamstring strain sustained during Thursday’s victory against Carlton. The injury occurred in the match, which saw Hinge return to the senior side following a long recovery from a persistent back issue that had affected his pre-season preparations.
Crows coach Matthew Nicks expressed his disappointment when discussing the player’s injury, acknowledging that it was not a minor setback. “We think it’s a hamstring. To what extent, we don’t know yet,” Nicks said on Thursday. “It’s disappointing for him because he’s worked so hard to get himself back. Even in the short time he was on the field, I thought you could see a little bit of that drive and penetration we usually get from him off half-back. I’ll be guessing, but it didn’t seem that good.”
Hinge had been under the care of the medical team last week, making a return through the reserves side in the SANFL before being recalled to face the Blues. His comeback was seen as a positive step forward for the team, but the latest injury has thrown a spanner in the works.
Nicks also spoke about the quarter-time speech he delivered after the Crows conceded seven goals and struggled in clearances against Carlton. “I thought I was quite calm,” Nicks laughed. “It looked a little bit rougher than maybe what I thought it was. I think I started the conversation with, ‘I’m not going to yell. I may have gone there.’
“I think it was more disappointing for them. We’d had a big week in that space, and we knew the theory, we knew what it was, we knew how we had to get it done against a very good opposition, and we just weren’t able to execute it. I tried to explain to them, nicely, what that method was that we’d spoken about. To their credit, they turned it around instantly in the second quarter.”
Nathan Van Berlo had an opportunity to make amends after Nicks admitted he might have messed up the strategy. “I think he did a good job of it,” the coach added.
Key Points from the Match
- Mitch Hinge’s Injury: A moderate hamstring strain will keep Hinge out for up to five weeks.
- Recovery Efforts: Hinge returned to the senior side after recovering from a back issue that had affected his pre-season.
- Coach’s Reaction: Matthew Nicks expressed disappointment over the injury, noting that Hinge had shown signs of his usual form.
- Quarter-Time Speech: Nicks delivered a motivational speech after a poor first quarter, highlighting the need for better execution.
- Team Response: The team responded well in the second quarter, showing improvement after the halftime break.
Impact on the Team
The loss of Hinge is a significant blow for the Adelaide Crows, especially considering his role in the defensive structure. His absence will likely force changes in the team’s lineup and strategy, particularly in the half-back area where his experience and leadership are crucial.
With the season entering a critical phase, the coaching staff will need to find ways to compensate for Hinge’s absence while ensuring the rest of the squad remains focused and motivated. The team’s ability to adapt and maintain consistency will be key in the coming weeks.
As the Crows look ahead to their next fixtures, the focus will be on regrouping and addressing the issues highlighted in the recent match. With strong performances from players like Nathan Van Berlo, there is hope that the team can bounce back and continue their push for success this season.
