Crows relieved as Ah Chee avoids major setback, Bedford sidelined at GWS

Jackson Clark Published February 17, 2026 at 3.30am (AWST)

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Adelaide recruit Callum Ah Chee looks on from the interchange after last weekend's State of Origin clash. Image: AFL.

Adelaide's new recruit Callum Ah Chee is in a race against the clock to be available for the Crows' Round 1 clash against Collingwood after suffering a hamstring injury during last weekend's State of Origin clash.

Ah Chee felt hamstring awareness late in the game and was forced to leave the field for further treatment.

Initial reports suggested the club had concerns about the severity, but Adelaide moved quickly to clarify the situation following scans.

In an update published on Monday, Adelaide confirmed Ah Chee had avoided a major setback, with scans revealing a low-grade strain in his right hamstring - a result that keeps him in the frame for their season opener.

The Crows' General Manager High Performance Ian McKeown said scans confirmed the forward would need to spend a short term on the sidelines, but that he remained a chance to be fit for Round 1.

"It's unfortunate for Cal, but we're optimistic about his chances of being ready to go for our Round 1 match against Collingwood," McKeown said.

Ah Chee, a dual premiership player with Brisbane, arrived at West Lakes despite the clubs being unable to strike a trade late last year, with Adelaide then snapping him up in the pre-season draft.

The Crows targeted him for his versatility and experience, and will manage his workload carefully as they prepare for the 2026 season.

*Callum Ah Chee at an Adelaide Crows training session. (Image: Adelaide FC)*

Over in Sydney, GWS speedster Toby Bedford will miss the early part of the year after breaking down in match play last week.

His injury adds to the Giants' growing pre-season injury list as they look to improve on last season's elimination final exit.

Bedford was injured during a Giants match simulation on Friday, in the same session that saw star midfielder Tom Green suffer a serious knee injury that has since been confirmed as an ACL rupture.

With the Giants already juggling multiple setbacks, Bedford's absence would be another blow to a side that leans heavily on speed and pressure.

Speaking on SEN, Giants head of football Jason McCartney indicated Bedford's issue could sideline him for more than a month.

"Bedford in match play on Friday had a hamstring issue," McCartney told SEN.

"He looks like a five-to-six week (stint on the sidelines)."

The 25-year-old has become a key piece in Adam Kingsley's system, valued for his ability to apply tackling pressure and nullify some of the game's best midfielders.