Star Adelaide midfielder Jordan Dawson has revealed that the trade and free agency recruits have already made a positive impact at the club beyond their own training standards.
The Crows brought in James Peatling and Isaac Cumming from GWS, who have both played in finals matches, as well as premiership Demon Alex Neal-Bullen during free agency and in the 2024 AFL trade period.
The fresh talent at West Lakes could finally drive Adelaide back into the top eight after failing to reach a finals series since their 2017 grand final loss. The pressure is on for coach Matthew Nicks to make the correct selection calls to ensure the Crows get off to a winning start in 2025, and the playing group seems to have taken note of the stakes.
Speaking to the club, Dawson said that the abundance of talent in the squad means all positions will have to be fought for to be maintained, bringing a level of "healthy competition" to pre-season training.
"Bringing in the level of talent we did, it does bring with it that bit of competition, which I think has been a really healthy thing for our group," Dawson said.
"We train together all the time, during the season, the pre-season and in every off-season break, we are always together and, as a result, a healthy competition has formed amongst the group.
"In our training we have tried to make everything a competition, splitting up into teams for different challenges and drills, I feel like going up against each other has helped get the best out of the group.
"As captain, you love to see that competition out on the track, we are professional athletes and I feel that added pressure of selection helps drive us and makes us better."
Dawson added that the intensity has already lifted since returning from the Christmas break, as the Crows gear up for their pre-season clashes in February, including a scratch match Showdown against Port Adelaide and Community Series fixture against Brisbane.
"Personally there is definitely a different feeling (returning post-Christmas), coming into the new year you know that the season is almost starting, there's no more breaks," Dawson said.
"The intensity of training certainly rises, and there is a different mindset, knowing that we are into the season and we will be playing games very soon.
"It's an exciting time of year, and I know the boys can't wait to attack this next block of training hard and be cherry ripe for that first internal in just over a month's time."
Dawson noted that given the talent across the board, he could play a flexible role for the Crows across multiple lines in 2025, creating a dynamic that is regarded closely with on-field success.
"It will probably be predominantly a midfield role, but I feel that with my ability to play multiple roles, I could end up in a number of different spots throughout the year," Dawson said.
"Having guys like (James) Peatling, Isaac (Cumming) and Alex (Neal-Bullen) come in, it gives us more flexibility to switch up positions, which is something the best teams of the past few years have done really well.
"I'm happy to play whatever position is needed to help the team win."
The Crows take on the Saints in Round 1 of the 2025 AFL season, hosting the Victorian side on Sunday, March 16 at Adelaide Oval.
