It’s been 348 days since Adelaide defender Mitch Hinge last lined up in an AFL game for premiership points.

The former Brisbane defender arrived at Adelaide as a delisted free agent, signing a two-year contract with the Club in November 2020.

He made his Crows debut in Round One against Geelong, coming on as the injury substitute only to then suffer a season-ending shoulder injury.

Hinge featured in Adelaide’s practice match against Brisbane last Friday and that made him even hungrier for the 2022 AFL Premiership campaign to kick off.

“It (my debut) started as a very, very exciting day but ended quite disappointing but we’re good now,” Hinge said.

“Although it was a bit of a damper that I couldn’t play footy, it was probably a really good opportunity for me to develop my body and put myself in a really strong position to put my best foot forward.

“I am really confident in my body and all the work that I’ve put in. I trust the guys that I worked with really closely last year.

“I want to play as much footy as possible (this year).”

Speaking to the media on Wednesday, the 23-year-old said the young Crows side had taken a lot out of their hit-out with the Lions, who were at full-strength, and would be better for the game.

“Obviously they (Brisbane) had a pretty strong team, almost as strong as the team that they’ll have this year,” Hinge said.

“Due to circumstances with us we had to blood a few younger bodies but it was really good.

“It was good for me to help find my feet and it was quite fitting it was against the old boys - I’m still really close with a lot of them today.

“There were a few learnings in terms of how we want to move the ball, how we want to win the ball and I guess cleanliness and strength around the contest that we looked at.

“Having such good teams to come up against first with Brisbane and then this week with Port Adelaide, we are going to be really well primed for Round One and hopefully learn as much as we can off these two teams.”

Hinge said defence was his preferred position but he was happy to play wherever Senior Coach Matthew Nicks needed him.

He was looking forward to hopefully running out in the final pre-season game against Port Adelaide and then in Round One later this month.

“For me probably half-back is my number one position, I think that’s what kind of suits my game style, my athletic ability,” Hinge said.

“(But) the more versatile I am, the more likely I’m going to get picked every week.

“I think right now as it sits, the ball is completely in my court - if my form holds up and if I can play my role and do everything the coach asks me, then I’ll put my hand up for Round One.

“If I go away from that, then I’ve only got myself to blame.”

The Crows take on Port Adelaide in a Community Series match on Saturday, March 5, before heading into Round One on March 20. 

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