IF RETIRING Crow Sam Gibson is relying on sentiment to provide him with a farewell game against his former club North Melbourne on Sunday, he's out of luck.

The Crows are out of finals contention, but assistant coach Matthew Clarke said the club would continue to pick its strongest side possible, even if that means overlooking untried youngsters or giving veterans a last hurrah.

However, Gibson could yet force his way back into the team on form after racking up 21 disposals in the SANFL last weekend.

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The 32-year-old played 130 consecutive games with the Kangaroos before joining the Crows at the end of last season.

He's played five games this year and will retire at the end of the season.

"I think you look forward and you look to this week and you try and put on a really strong performance," Clarke said.

"I don't know if you are warranted an extra one just because it's nearing the end of your career.

"You value every game that fronts up and if you're last one's in June or September, so be it."

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Exciting key position prospect Elliott Himmelberg will come into consideration as a possible replacement for skipper Taylor Walker, who has been offered a two-game ban for his tackle on Greater Western Sydney's Josh Kelly.

Himmelberg, 20, is a strong contested mark and was the 51st overall pick of the 2016 NAB AFL Draft.

"Clearly his form's been good, he kicked five a couple of weeks ago and is progressing really well," Clarke said.

"Whether or not he's ready to play, we'll have to make that call at match committee, but his form puts him in the frame.

"We've got to finish the season as strong as we possibly can and pick a team we think can beat North Melbourne."