ADELAIDE will be without key midfielder Scott Thompson when it takes on reigning premier Hawthorn in Berri on Saturday.

Thompson, 25, missed Wednesday’s main training session with general soreness.

In-form big man Scott Stevens also pulled up sore after last week’s loss to West Coast in Alice Springs, but took part in some training and is still in the mix to play.

The Crows could counter the loss of Thompson with the return of young forward Richard Douglas.

Douglas has overcome a hip injury and put forward his case for selection with a strong performance at training. Kurt Tippett also got through the session and is expected to return from a minor knee injury.

Onballer Chris Knights said Tippett would be a great addition to the Crows’ line-up.

“Kurt looked good out there at training and took a few good strong grabs. He’s pretty eager to get out there,” Knights said.

“He’s a big, tall forward and he’s one of those forwards that you call a ‘bail-out’ option. If there’s no one else to kick to, you can just put it in his capable hands.”

Adelaide played a mini-game to work through its zone and ball movements, complete with umpire, to finish training on Wednesday.

Hawthorn has been credited with creating the ‘rolling’ zone and Knights said his side would get a good measure of its ball movement progress in Saturday's game.

“Hawthorn won the flag last year and we’re looking forward to the challenge,” he said.

“Our game styles are similar, but I wouldn’t say it’s their (Hawthorn’s) game style. It’s a game style that we feel we’ve evolved over time and we definitely think that when we do these things well we’re a chance against anyone.”