An overview of defender Daniel Talia’s press conference after training on Tuesday …
Daniel Talia on the start of the Club’s NAB Cup campaign against Carlton and Port Adelaide on Sunday …
“I think everyone is pretty excited. We haven’t played footy for almost six months now. Everyone is itching to get out there and to play a game against an opposition because we’ve been training against each other for weeks now. We’ve got a new coach in Brenton Sanderson, so that will be exciting too. The boys can’t wait.”
On what Sanderson has brought to the team …
“’Sando’ is really enthusiastic. He’s a great coach and a great listener. He understands the boys and everyone gets along with him. I think (Sanderson’s age) is one of the factors in that. He’s been around football for a long time. He’s been with a successful team in Geelong. He knows a lot and has brought a few different ideas across from the Cats.”
On what the Club hopes to get out of the NAB Cup …
“We’ve got a lot of new guys … and guys from other clubs in Lewis Johnston, Tom Lynch and Josh Jenkins … so hopefully we’ll see some of them play. It’ll be exciting to see them run out in Crows colours and to play alongside some new guys. The quicker the team bonds the better off we’ll be. Competing will be the theme of the NAB Cup. With new players and a new coach we’ve just got to go out there and play the best we can. As long as we compete, I think Brenton will be really happy.”
On whether the players adjusted to the new game plan in last week’s intra-club trial …
“I think you’re always going to be adjusting (at this time of year) when there are a few new ideas. Wednesday was only our first hit-out, so you can’t really take too much out of that. I suppose we’ll see a few more new things this week being against an opposition for the first time. It’s a new year under a new coach … and we’re looking forward to playing our first game.”
On the pre-season in general …
“Things have changed a bit and we’ve definitely had to learn a few new things. There’s been a lot of learning even for the older guys. We’re all taking it onboard and hopefully we can show it in the first few games of the NAB Cup.”
On securing a key-defensive post in the team …
“I’m out there to get one of those spots, but in saying that there’s a lot of competition for the key-defensive posts with Ben Rutten out until the first game of the premiership season. Lewis Johnston, Luke Thompson, Andy Otten and myself are all vying for those key-defensive roles.”
On the backline without Rutten …
“We’ve still got (experienced players) Michael Doughty, Brent Reilly and Graham Johncock, but us younger guys have had to take a bit more responsibility with our voice and communicating down back. We’re all adjusting and it’s a good learning experience without Ben there directing us.”
Click here to purchase tickets to Adelaide's opening round of NAB Cup matches against Carlton and Port Adelaide at AAMI Stadium on Sunday, February 26
