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Crow veteran to make switch to defence

Published by
Sam Bunn

Adelaide Crows veteran Richard Douglas could spend greater time at half-back in 2018 to allow prized recruit Bryce Gibbs more opportunity in the midfield.

The 30-year-old has spent majority of his career playing as a midfielder, but has been training with defensive coaches Brent Reilly and Ben Hart during the pre-season to fill some of the void left by the injured Brodie Smith.

"I'll hopefully try and spend more time across half-back than I did last year and build on my work there," Douglas told afc.com.au.

"I've been working closely with the backs coaches, so I'm looking forward to building on that work and hopefully providing some run across half-back in the absence of (Brodie Smith).

"Getting Bryce across from Carlton has been great, so he'll spend more time in the midfield.

"We've got some good depth in the midfield, and with Brodie going down there's a spot to be filled there.

"I feel like I can fill that role."

The 2010 Adelaide best and fairest produced another consistent season in 2017, averaging 22 touches, 4 tackles and kicking 15 goals.

The Crows are amidst a testing training camp on the Gold Coast, their first pre-season trip in seven years, an opportunity Douglas is pleased with.

"It's another way to get some work into the guys," Douglas said.

"Training has been pretty solid, and we had a good session this morning.

"It's a good chance to get away and hang out with the boys outside of footy."

The news was positive for Hugh Greenwood, who is recovering from post-season achilles surgery and is expected to return to main training within a week.

"He's tracking along really well," High Performance Manager Matt Hass said.

"We expect him to be joining in with the group this week, so later this week, he'll integrate in with the group and build his training minutes and we're hopeful he'll get minutes in the JLT.

"If he continues to progress the way he is, then he should be available for selection (in round one)."

Adelaide's first pre-season fixture is on the 25th of February against Fremantle.

Published by
Sam Bunn