ADELAIDE captain Taylor Walker is a late scratching from his side's round one clash with Greater Western Sydney at Adelaide Oval on Sunday.

Walker has been sidelined with a hamstring injury sustained in the Crows' third JLT Community Series game against the Brisbane Lions.

Crows general manager of high performance Matt Hass said the club didn't want to risk the key forward.

"Tex was really close to playing," Hass told the club’s website.

"He completed all his training during the week, however, the club has chosen to take a no-risk approach and will now aim for him to be fit for round two."

His place in the team has been taken by small forward/midfielder Riley Knight, who played 11 games in 2015, but made only one appearance last year.

Crows star Rory Sloane has proven his fitness from a fractured eye socket and will take his place in the team.

Troy Menzel and Curtly Hampton will make their debuts for the Crows, while defender Andy Otten will place his first AFL game in more than 960 days.

The Giants are unchanged and will unveil No.2 draft pick Tim Taranto.