CROWS midfielder Rory Sloane has been ruled out of the Crows’ finals match against GWS on Thursday night on medical advice.

But lead ruckman Sam Jacobs is in, after Adelaide completed its training program for the sold-out AFL qualifying final against Greater Western Sydney at Adelaide Oval.

Earlier on Wednesday, Crows coach Don Pyke was far from committed to the concept of playing Sloane, now eight days after the All-Australian midfielder had appendix surgery.

However, about 5pm on Wednesday Sloane was ruled out on medical advice.

Pyke had said he wanted to see a “fair bit more” from Sloane before declaring his readiness to face the Giants.

media_camera Charlie Cameron lines up a set shot during training at Adelaide Oval on Wednesday. Picture: Daniel Kalisz/Getty Images media_camera Adelaide Crows player Rory Sloane arrives at Adelaide Oval for training on Wednesday. Picture: David Mariuz/AAP

Pyke left the training track at Adelaide Oval on Wednesday morning without delivering a clear-cut view on Sloane’s readiness to play in the double-chance final against the Giants.

“He had a light run this morning,” Pyke said of Sloane.

“We will weigh up what is best for him — and best for the team as well.

“He will need to do a fair bit more than he did this morning. We will wait until the team is finalised.

“He was just able to do some running this morning. He has a fair bit of ground to cover.

“Possibly (Sloane could be given to the 90-minute deadline before the game to stay on the team sheet) ... we’ll see. We have to assess exactly what his chances are of playing — and make the decision from there.

“What his capacity is ... and what is best for him and for the team as well, all those things come into account. We’ll look at what’s best for him, short-term and we’d love to have him playing tomorrow night. But if that is going to have impact for him longer term, or impact on his ability to perform, we’ll make the smart decision.”

media_camera Both Sam Jacobs and captain Taylor Walker will play against GWS. Picture: Naomi Jellicoe

Jacobs is a confirmed starter as he and his family deal with mourning the death of his older brother Aaron last week.

“Sam made a pretty early decision that he was keen to play,” Pyke said. “He has worked himself into a mindframe where he is not only ready to play but perform. Knowing Sam, it gives him a little extra incentive.”

Captain and key forward Taylor Walker (ankle-toe) and key defender Daniel Talia (groin-ankle) are confirmed starters after missing the home-and-away closer against West Coast in Perth almost a fortnight ago.

Upgraded rookie-listed midfielder Hugh Greenwood, who also missed the loss to the Eagles as he was rested, could be the instant cover for Sloane against the Giants.

michelangelo.rucci@news.com.au