Captain Josh Kennedy has been given the green light to play in Friday night's blockbuster against Adelaide.

The 28-year-old, who's spent the past three weeks recovering from a minor hamstring strain which flared up in the loss to Hawthorn, “ticked every box” at training on Thursday to validate his selection ahead of the Round 22 clash at Adelaide Oval.

“It is fantastic to have him back," Coach John Longmire told Centrum team selection.

“He has done everything this week and then some so he has looked really sharp at training and it is great to have him back in the team.

While the side’s performances haven't wavered in the absence of the midfielder, having won back-to-back games, his inclusion is a timely boost.

One of the competition's best for winning contested ball and clearances, Kennedy adds another big presence around the football against a team ranked number one across the league for both of those areas.

Kennedy replaces Nic Newman (omitted) in the only change ahead of the highly anticipated match-up, the defender given the opportunity to rest his knee which hyperextended in a collision during last weekend's win over Fremantle.

Newman was cleared of any serious damage and passed his fitness test on Thursday, but the coaches weren't going to take any chances.

“Nic got through training so he is feeling good and will come to Adelaide with us," Longmire said.

“He is a good player who we expect to come back into the senior team pretty shortly because he is a bti stiff."

Newman has travelled with the side to Adelaide as one of three emergencies.

To view the full squad, click here.