Lynch will 'cop it all week' for missing sitter

Adelaide star Rory Sloane says teammate Tom Lynch can expect plenty of stick for his shocking miss in Saturday night's win over Essendon.

Lynch was picked out by Taylor Walker whose long bomb left the Crows forward bearing down on goals almost unchallenged.

The Adelaide man took a few strides forward until he almost reached the goal square, with only the posts in front of him.

But with the goal at his mercy Lynch absoutely shanked his kick, watching in horror as the ball skewed off his boot and sailed wide of the goal from almost right in front.

"He'll cop it all week," said teammate Rory Sloane on Sunday.

Adelaide are hopeful Sloane and Taylor Walker will be available for a huge AFL showdown with Sydney next week.

The star duo pulled up sore during the Crows' 43-point win over Essendon at Etihad Stadium on Saturday night.

Sloane limped from the ground late in the third quarter after Bombers defender Matt Dea fell on his left knee while attempting a smother.

The gun midfielder went straight to the rooms but returned to play out the game as Adelaide claimed an 18.15 (123) to 12.8 (80) victory.

Sloane played down the injury when he spoke on Channel Seven's AFL Game Day.

"It's just the outside of my knee, I've been dealing with a little injury for a little bit of time now and I just tweaked it again, Sloane said.

"I'll just make sure I recover as best I can."

Crows skipper Walker also spent a brief period in the rooms during the first quarter after hurting his foot.

The pair face a five-day break to prove their fitness before the ladder-leading Crows host fifth-placed Sydney on Friday night.

The Crows are six points clear of second-placed Greater Western Sydney and virtually guaranteed to host a home final.

Sydney are certain however to present a huge test, having won nine out of 10 games since their mid-year bye.