AN INJURY-free Curtly Hampton excites Adelaide coach Don Pyke, who says the speedy defender faces an important month if he's to play a role in the club's finals campaign.

Hampton joined the Crows from Greater Western Sydney late last year and early signs suggested the 23-year-old could slot into the club's senior side nicely, but he hasn't managed a game this year while battling a foot injury.

Hampton uses the ball well and possesses terrific leg-speed, traits that played an important role in his recruitment.

He's set to line up in the SANFL this weekend and play his first game for his new club for premiership points.

"It’s great to have Curtly back and available this week – I know that he's really excited about returning to play," Pyke said.

"It's been a pretty frustrating year for him through a series of little injuries followed by an operation.

"He's really had a little mini pre-season to get himself back to play this week. With eight weeks to go in the season it's important he gets back, gets some continuity of training and playing, and we'll see what happens of the rest of the year.

"It's an important period for him, but also a really exciting period as he gets to start to play regular footy."

Adelaide's charge towards a potential place in the top four continues this Sunday against Carlton at the MCG.

After winning six games in seven weeks from rounds five through 11, the Blues have dropped their past three and sit 14th on the ladder.

By contrast, the Crows are aiming for a seventh straight win and will enter Sunday's clash as red-hot favourites.

Pyke insisted complacency wouldn't be an issue for his side, pointing to the pressure being applied from the SANFL as a key factor in keeping the AFL-selected players on their toes.

"The pressure for spots is significant enough to keep guys playing at the level. I also think the group's in a good space – we don't look backwards, we keep looking forwards," he said.

"This game won't be a reflection on the games we've won in the past, apart from the belief and confidence we take into it.

"We'll prepare, we'll plan, we'll get ready to play exactly how we want to play."