PUTTING all their attention on Geelong superstar Patrick Dangerfield will leave Adelaide exposed, Crows defensive coach James Podsiadly says.

Dangerfield's much-anticipated rematch with his former club has ensured a sold-out crowd for Friday night's blockbuster at the Adelaide Oval.

Podsiadly doesn't expect Dangerfield to come under any excessive physical treatment in his first game against the Crows after eight seasons in Adelaide.

''I'll be disappointed if our guys go out of the way to do that,'' Podsiadly said.

"I expect them to treat him like a Geelong player and play our system.

''Wherever he sets up, we'll set up in our system.''

Dangerfield is averaging 29 possessions in his first season with the Cats and is on track to surpass injured Brownlow Medallist Nat Fyfe as the No.1 ranked player in the Schick AFL Player Ratings.

Podsiadly said the Crows would implement a team approach to limiting Dangerfield's influence rather than one designated tagger.

"You'll see most of our mids roll through him so it won't be a specific role,'' Podsiadly said.

'This game now moves too quickly for us to focus on one individual or a couple of individuals.

''They've got a lot of depth we can't disrespect.''

Crows to focus on Cats, not Danger: Pyke

Podsiadly said Crows captain Taylor Walker is getting closer to recapturing his best form.

The key forward has come under criticism for his performances this year, with some pundits suggesting he should be rested after struggling earlier in the season with a foot injury.

''It's only a matter of time before you see Taylor Walker rip a game apart,'' Podsiadly said.

"He's had some good continuity with his training over the past few weeks.

''His contribution to the team internally has been quite good.

''From a form perspective, it's on the rise.''

Walker told Triple M earlier this week he doesn’t need a break.

“I know my game isn’t at the level (required). My touch is off just a little, but I know I’m not far away,” Walker said.

“I’ll be fine ... I’ll keep cracking in. I don’t need a rest.

“Unless Pykey (Crows coach Don Pyke) wants me to have a rest, I won’t be having a rest.”

Podsiadly said Jarryd Lyons, Wayne Milera, Cam Ellis-Yolmen and former skipper Nathan Van Berlo were in contention to replace injured midfielder David Mackay.

Mackay will miss up to a month with a hamstring strain sustained in last week's 15-point loss to the Western Bulldogs.