LADDER-LEADERS Adelaide is wary of a wounded Hawthorn ahead of Thursday night's fixture in the South Australian capital.

The Crows will start warm favourites, but ruckman Sam Jacobs says they're on guard for the "dangerous" Hawks.

"You would be silly to write an Alastair Clarkson-coached team off," Jacobs said on Monday.

"They're the only team to beat Sydney in the last six weeks and as we know, Sydney are really starting to come now."

Hawthorn is 17th on the ladder, with just four wins, but key veterans Luke Hodge (groin) and Grant Birchall (knee) could return from a knee injury.

"They have had an up and down season but at the same time they're recent champions of the League and have got some fantastic players," Jacobs said.

"Luke Hodge, and Grant Birchall is probably close as well, these are champions of the game.

"So it's going to be another good contest."

The Crows return from a bye weekend with players pressing for senior selection with Mitch McGovern (hamstring), Paul Seedsman (groin) and Kyle Cheney (groin) all returning in the SANFL after long-term injuries.

When Adelaide beat Hawthorn in round two at the MCG, Jacobs was a standout performer.

The 29-year-old is one of the form rucks of the competition and was influential with 25-disposals and 37 hit-outs in a win against St Kilda.

"Hit-outs is probably not the best stat that I look at, it's more the hit-outs to advantage and connection with my mids," Jacobs said.

"I do feel I'm a lore more well-rounded at the moment, I'm just chasing that consistency which is what I have been able to do this year."