ADELAIDE has been dealt a blow ahead of Friday night's preliminary final against Geelong, with forward Mitch McGovern to be assessed for a possible hamstring injury.

The 22-year-old, who missed nearly three months this season with a torn right hamstring he suffered in round three, pulled up sore during the club's closed training session on Saturday.

The Crows released a brief statement on Sunday afternoon, saying McGovern would "undergo further medical investigation after reporting soreness in his hamstring".

McGovern signed a three-year contract extension last month, tying him to the Crows until the end of 2020.

He has played 36 games for the club since being recruited at pick No.43 in the 2014 NAB AFL Draft, including 13 matches this season.

Adelaide vice-captain Rory Sloane is expected to return from appendix surgery against the Cats after missing the qualifying final win over Greater Western Sydney.

However, the Crows will be without defender Brodie Smith, who ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee against the Giants.