Adelaide forward Josh Jenkins says the furore surrounding his reaction to being dropped has been overblown.
Demoted after the Crows' 12-point loss to the Kangaroos in round four, the 30-year old has averaged 15 disposals and booted three goals across two games playing for Adelaide's SANFL team.
He faces an uphill battle to return to the AFL squad, with the Crows recording impressive wins over the Suns and Saints over the last fortnight after a disappointing 1-3 start to the season.
Jenkins also faces stiff competition from developing tall Elliott Himmelberg, who has played well with his newfound opportunity. The 20-year old is averaging 11 disposals, five marks and has kicked three goals in his two games at AFL level.
Jenkins has come under fire for his reaction to being left out of the side, but said his words have been misconstrued.
“I understand the reaction more often than not is negative, particularly in the space of social media,’’ Jenkins told SEN.
“I was a bit flat that people took a couple of the words I used and turned them against me, particular being dirty, I saw that headline a fair bit.
“I was dirty because I want to be in the side, I was flat and upset I wasn’t (playing).
“Even before I was dropped I felt I was under pressure to hold my spot, I was dirty about it from my own perspective, I wasn’t dirty at anyone else and certainly understand why."
Adelaide will look to win its third straight game when it takes on Fremantle at Adelaide Oval on Sunday.