He is the ball-magnet defender who worked his way off the rookie list to a starring role in Adelaide’s back-line, and this week Rory Laird is on The Crows Show talking about his dominant game.

“There’s a bit of structure behind it but he’s [Don Pyke] given me a fair bit of reign this year which is really good,” Laird said.

“It’s changed up a little bit in the last few weeks, my role, and what I’m doing in my positioning, but for most of the year I’ve had free rein and it’s really good for me and lets me play the game the way I see it.”

Last year Laird earned his first All-Australian nod and he has not looked back since. From 13 games this season he has 30+ disposals 11 times and 40+ twice.

“Reading the play is one of my things that help me at half-back,” Laird explained.

“Being able to look at the game from half-back so I can see what unfolds.

“You practise it as much as you can at training but it’s more of natural instincts and what you see in the game.”

With the Crows playing on Thursday we ask whether the AFL has got it right with Thursday night footy – and what the fans think.

Alana Smith and Mark Bickley also look at how AFL scouts take years to decide if a young player is right for the AFL, and how one mark changed the life of former Crow, Mark Stevens.

Meantime, we explore Adelaide’s work with Kickstart For Kids and children at risk.

The Crows Show, brought to you by Foodland, airs on Sunday July 15, at 11:30AM on 7 and 7HD. 

The show will then be available on our website and app. It is also replayed nationally on 7Mate early in the week. Please check your local TV guides.

Win a 2018 Team Signed Guernsey

For your chance to win a 2018 Adelaide team signed guernsey, simply follow @TheCrowsShow on Twitter and retweet the post below before the show goes to air on Sunday July 15.

The winner will be drawn randomly on Monday July 16 and contacted via direct message on Twitter.