Adelaide forward Trent Hentschel will be playing for his career when he takes to the field in the Crows' clash against the Hawks at the MCG on Friday night.
The inclusion of Hentschel is one of two changes for the Crows with Rory Sloane set to make his debut. The duo replace Brett Burton, who hasn't fully recovered from his corked glute, and the out-of-form Taylor Walker.
It's a big occasion for Sloane and a critical contest for Hentschel - the 26-year-old will use the remaining three games of the season, plus finals, to convince the club his body is finally sound and up to the rigours of AFL football.
Hentschel spent more than a year on the sidelines after wrecking his knee back in 2006.
He made his comeback to footy in 2008 and, despite battling soft tissue complaints and continuing problems with his knee, finally returned to the senior line-up in Round 1 this year.
But Hentschel hasn't played at the elite level since Adelaide tackled St Kilda back in Round 2 due to complications relating to the knee.
However, he's strung together some games in the SANFL and coach Neil Craig says he's deserved another chance to prove his worth.
"That's what we need to find out now so that we can make good decision, in conjunction with Trent, where we go from a list management point of view," he said.
"He understands that and that's why we keep our fingers crossed that he can play good footy and get through because that would be fantastic for him."
"He's probably in the best condition and he's as sharp as I've seen him. He feels as good as he's ever felt since the injury, and he's in good form, now is the appropriate time to find out."
"Hopefully he can play at the level because it's an important period for him now."
Walker's return to AFL ranks lasted just one week with the young forward collecting only four disposals against Collingwood in Round 19.
Craig said he had 'expected a bit more' from Walker in his comeback game and gave no apologies for the quick-fire omission.
"I understand externally it will create some debate but in the end I can't be influenced by external pressures if I don't believe they are valid," he said.
"He's obviously disappointed. He agrees that wasn't the game he wanted to play. He's disappointed he doesn't get another opportunity which will be the debate, 'just one game? Come on.' But sorry that's the industry we are in."
Meanwhile, Craig said Sloane had earned his first game after several strong performances in the SANFL.
"We've been looking for an opportunity to play Rory for a period of time so it (the opportunity) just opens up," he said.
"It gives another young player on our list exposure to AFL footy, and the way it falls - MCG, Friday night, last year's grand finalists, so it's a pretty special game for him."
"We'll get to have a good look at him under some real fierce competition."
"He's got a great competitive attitude. I think you'll like the way he goes about his footy, he's a very good handballer, we've got some work to do on his kick and work to do on his offensive play but I'm looking forward to seeing him play."