Adelaide small forward Ned McHenry says having fierce competition for spots will only make the side improve as players look to cement a place in the Round One side.

McHenry said the connection of the group was strong and with 100 days until Round One, there was plenty of time for them all to make their case.

“It’s a good challenge and obviously we drafted a few guys, too, who are going to be going through those kinds of roles,” McHenry said,

“It’s exciting there’s more guys who are looking to play that kind of role and there’s going to be competition for spots.

“We are all really good mates off the track but there’s going to be some good, competitive training to be had over the course of pre-season.”

The 21-year-old said new draftee and fellow forward Josh Rachele had impressed in his short time at the Club.

“Josh looks really good and I’m looking forward to working with him for sure,” McHenry, who played 21 games for the Crows this past season, said.

“I reckon he’s got some things in his game even as a first-year player that he can help me with.

“Then I’m sure there’s a few things I can help him with after being with the Club for a while in terms of system and some other fitness stuff.”

McHenry, who spoke to the media following the announcement Rory Sloane would continue as captain for 2022, said players were keen to fall under his leadership for another season.

“We love Sloaney, he’s obviously the one that’s going to suit that position (captain) really well, so it’s just a good result to get him in for another year of captaincy,” McHenry said.

“It probably wasn’t really a big surprise to most of the boys but it was good to just get that confirmed and get that out of the way.”