From just two senior games in 2020 to a full season under his belt against some of the league’s best forwards, Jordon Butts has proven himself as an important cog in Adelaide’s back line. 

Now, the key defender wants to take his game - and his leadership - to a new level. 

“The whole pre-season we’ve been looking to play defence aggressively and that’s our target, to get at the opposition and bring the heat,” Butts told the media on Monday. 

“I’m trying to build on what I did last year and play a bit more assertively and a bit more attacking.”

Part of that build is, in Butts’ words, “getting comfortable being uncomfortable”. 

“You’re not going to be in the best spot at times so you’ve got to scrap and fight and find a way to get yourself back into it,” Butts said.  

“The more I can get comfortable on the training track the more comfortable I’ll be out on the ground… just building habits in that area.”

Playing alongside Adelaide’s experienced defenders, like Tom Doedee, Brodie Smith and Luke Brown, has also ignited Butts’ leadership aspirations. 

The 22-year-old said he wanted to focus on raising his voice around the ground in 2022. 

“That’s a goal that I’ve really set myself for this pre-season… usually I’m the last line of defence, so to help everyone set up on the ground is probably my main goal,” Butts said. 

“In the past I was probably more actions (than words), but I want to be able to focus on myself and get my role done but also help out my fellow defenders as well and set them up.

“Tommy Doedee has been helpful in that area for me… we all work in sync together and all help each other out.”

Butts said a strong pre-season from the Crows would mean tough selection decisions come Round One, but that only inspired his fellow defenders to work harder. 

“We’ve still got a lot of key defenders that are working hard on their craft and are pushing for spots as well… we gel together and work together,” Butts said.  

“I’m not too fussed with who I match up with because I trust that they’re going to get the job done.

“We’re all excited and eager to learn."