AN INJECTION of youth has turned Adelaide into one of the quickest teams in the competition.

The Crows fielded nine players 23 years of age or younger in their 56-point demolition of premiership favourites Greater Western Sydney at Adelaide Oval last Sunday.

Wayne Milera (19), Charlie Cameron (22) and Rory Atkins (22) added pace to the midfield and allowed the Crows to blow the opposition off the park.

"It's one of our assets, there's no doubt about that," Crows midfielder David Mackay said.

"The recruiting team has tried to put a bit of focus on that area because it's so important.

"Having said that, ultimately it's how quick you move the ball and that can determine how quick you look as a team."

Outstanding halfback Rory Laird (23) – who had a career-high 40 possessions - forwards Troy Menzel (22), Riley Knight (22) and Mitch McGovern (22), ball magnet Matt Crouch (21) and defender Jake Kelly (22) all had an impact.

Leg speed was an area where the Crows struggled against the elite teams last year.

"We've seen guys like Milera and Atkins and Cameron that are really young that have added that energy and speed to us," Mackay said.

"To have a number of guys roll through there and stay fresh is really important."

The Crows have now turned their focus to Saturday's game with Hawthorn at the MCG.

Skipper Taylor Walker (hamstring) looks set to return, but there's doubt over fellow forward Mitch McGovern, after he picked up an ankle injury against the Giants.

“Mitch McGovern left the ground a few times," Crows general manager of high performance Matt Hass told the club's website.

"He’s a little bit sore and we’ll assess him during the week."

Defender Kyle Cheney will miss up to a month with a hamstring injury sustained at training last week.

Cheney played every game last season, but had an interrupted pre-season with a groin injury.

Midfielder Brad Crouch is earmarked to play in the opening round of the SANFL on April 8.

Crouch has been sidelined since mid-January with a hamstring injury.

Winger Paul Seedsman (groin) is still in the rehab group and there is no timeframe for his return.

Mackay said it was important the Crows didn't get ahead of themselves after defeating the Giants.

"It was four points on the weekend, this week is worth the same and that's the reality of it," he said.

"If we look too far forward, then what happened on the weekend is not going to mean anything.

"We'll just concentrate on this week."