When Adelaide's Irish defender Mark Keane broke his leg in pre-season, his coach was concerned on more than one level.

Matthew Nicks was not only worried about his star defender's injury, but also worried about how Keane would cope mentally to his first serious injury in the AFL.

"I was a little concerned early that this was his first injury, and how he would work his way through that," Nicks said.

Keane, who will make his AFL comeback on Saturday when the sixth-placed Crows host Melbourne at Adelaide Oval, soon allayed those fears.

"Ultimate pro. He has been outstanding," Nicks said.

"He's done an incredible job ... how professional he's been since the injury.

"He actually improved his leadership (but) ... it's going to take him a little time to find the speed of the game again."

Keane returns along with fellow big guns Taylor Walker and Izak Rankine.

Walker has served a one-match suspension and Rankine returns after missing two games because of a calf strain.

"He ready and raring to go," Nicks said of Rankine, adding coaches would closely monitor the dynamo's game time.

"We're really confident with Izak from a body point of view ... we'll just keep an eye on him in-game."

Walker, Keane and Rankine replace Luke Pedlar (hamstring), Josh Worrell (illness) and Toby Murray, who has been dropped.

Melbourne, sitting in fourth spot with nine wins - one more than Adelaide - made three changes with Harrison Petty (hamstring), Lucas Cooke (face) and Bailey Laurie (omitted) not selected.

The Dees summoned Tom McDonald, Caleb Windsor and Matthew Jefferson as replacements.