Skipper Nathan van Berlo will be like a bonus player for the Club next year after missing the entire 2014 campaign with a ruptured Achilles.

Van Berlo could have made a late-season return had the Crows secured a finals berth, but results did not go the Club’s way.

After an entire season on the sidelines, Crows Physical Performance Manager Nick Poulos said the 28-year-old is “jumping out of his skin” to return to the field.

Van Berlo will be ready for Day One of Adelaide’s pre-season program once the full squad returns to training on Monday, November 17.

Under the strong guidance of new Senior Coach Phil Walsh, van Berlo’s on-field leadership will be a huge asset once the games begin, as will his supreme run-with ability.

With a new coaching structure at West Lakes featuring the likes of Ryan O’Keefe, David Teague and Darren Glass, van Berlo hopes to spearhead a Crows resurgence next season.

Van Berlo played 19 matches in 2013 with an average of 17 disposals, four marks and three tackles a game.

Click here to read AFL Media’s club-by-club wrap of the big names set to return next year.