Rory Laird says his approach to football won’t change after being promoted to Adelaide’s senior list.
Laird, 19, started this year as a rookie, but was elevated to the primary list following a long-term injury to fellow defender Sam Shaw in April.
The nuggety backman made his AFL debut against the Western Bulldogs in Round Four and only missed one game through injury from then on, playing a total of 18 matches. He earned a Rising Star nomination in Round 20 and finished only five votes outside the top 10 in the Crows Club Champion award.
Laird found out about his promotion to Adelaide’s senior list for 2014 in a post-season review with coach Brenton Sanderson.
“It’s good to be on the senior list and able to play right away if I’m selected rather than waiting on an unfortunate teammate to get a long-term injury,” Laird said.
“It’s a good reward for what I’ve done so far, but I can’t rest on that. Nothing will change for me. I’ve got to keep improving and hold my spot in the team, which will be hard to do next year.”
One thing that Laird has changed is his playing number.
After two years in No.46, the former West Adelaide junior has switched to No.29, which was vacated by young midfielder Sam Kerridge. Kerridge has moved into locker No.17, previously owned by Bernie Vince. Laird said there was no specific reason behind the guernsey swap.
“I didn’t mind No.46. I just thought it was a bit too high,” he said with a laugh.
“I didn’t really want to go to No.1 though, so when Sam Kerridge moved I decided to take No.29. I like No.29. It’s in the middle – not too low or too high.”
Laird’s move, in combination with the departures of Nick Joyce (No.42), Aidan Riley (No.43), Ben Dowdell (No.44), Dylan Orval (No.47) and Tim McIntyre (No.49) left utility Ricky Henderson on his lonesome at one end of the locker room. Henderson has since been joined by new ‘neighbours’ Matt Crouch (No.44), Charlie Cameron (No.42), James Battersby (No.43), Alex Spina (No.46) and Jake Kelly (No.47).
“Hendo was by himself for a while with absolutely no one near him, but he’s surrounded again now,” Laird said.
“I’m next to Jack Osborn and Cam Ellis-Yolmen now. Jack’s good, but Cam Ellis-Yolmen is a bit of a handful at the moment. No, we all get along really well.”
Laird has taken a particular interest in rookies Cameron, Battersby, Kelly and Spina.
“It wasn’t long ago that I was in that exact position – less than 12 months ago. I know what they’re going through,” he said.
“They’ve fitted in really well at the Club and out on the track you wouldn’t even know they’re new. They’re not doing the whole workload at the moment, but they’ve adapted well.”
Laird is halfway through his third pre-season at West Lakes.
He said endurance and also certain defensive skills were focus areas for the summer.
“I thought last year was hard, but they’ve stepped it up again this pre-season,” Laird said.
“There’s a lot of running, but you feel good after the sessions are done and all the boys are handling it really well, the younger and the older guys. With the interchange cap coming in, endurance has been a focus for everyone this pre-season.”
The Crows will complete a gruelling training block this week before breaking for Christmas.
They will return to the Club on January 6.
“It’ll be quiet, but I’m looking forward to having a break. It’s been a tough 6-7 weeks,” Laird said.
“Christmas is a dangerous time for skin folds, so I’ll be carefully indulging in a bit of food.”
