Moran's tight time frame
Brad Moran says he will use the rest of the season to prove he deserves a new contract
FORGOTTEN Adelaide utility Brad Moran concedes time is running out for him to prove himself in the AFL, saying he'll use the next eight weeks to show he deserves a contract next season.
Moran has played only two matches in his last two years at West Lakes.
The ex-North Melbourne recruit, who was traded to the Crows at the end of 2007, appeared to have his career on track in mid-2009.
He played seven straight games, establishing himself as Adelaide's preferred ruckman before injuring the posterior cruciate ligament in his left knee against the Sydney Swans in round 13, 2009.
The 201cm Queenslander had revolutionary LARS-style surgery on his knee in a bid to be fit for finals and improve his chances of earning another contract, but developed complications from surgery and required two more operations, which put an end to not only his 2009 season but his 2010 season as well.
He suffered another setback in March this year, injuring his hamstring at pre-season training before the club's NAB Challenge clash with Carlton.
Moran spent two months regaining form and fitness in the SANFL before making his long awaited AFL return in Adelaide's loss to North Melbourne in round 11 this year.
However, the comeback only lasted a week.
He was dropped after a poor performance against his former team, and forced to wait another month in the local league before receiving a second chance in the Crows' clash with the Swans last weekend.
Moran's form was better against the Swans, but the 24-year-old said he was well aware he would be playing for his career in the remaining eight games.
"It's been a tough time being away from the team and not being out there every week, but in one way it makes it all that much sweeter when you do get back out there again," he said on Friday.
"I'm more hungry now … and time is running out for me. I'm only 24, but 24 is starting to get old in the AFL system.
"It makes no difference to me [that I'm out of contract at the end of the season] … eight weeks gives me eight more opportunities to prove myself as a good player.
"It's about remaining consistent, building on the form I've had already and making sure I don't take any weeks for granted moving forward."
Moran has been used in the ruck and in attack for Adelaide, and has played at centre half-back and even as a midfielder at SANFL level.
Former Carlton rookie Sam Jacobs has assumed the mantle as the Crows' No.1 ruckman and the club also has a plethora of key-position players at either end of the ground.
The versatile Moran was optimistic he could fill a niche in the team.
"Nowadays, there's almost a hybrid-type forward/ruck/back role, which is getting around a lot, so it's about remaining flexible," he said.
"I've just got to keep persevering, staying in the team each week and if after 10 weeks I still don't have a spot then I'll probably be more concerned.
"For now, it's about remaining consistent with my form."
Moran will have to wait at least another week to play his third game for the season, with Adelaide having a bye in round 16.
Only a handful of teams have won the week after a bye, and Moran said it was important the players were switched on for the clash with Essendon at AAMI Stadium next Friday.
"We've kept a pretty good structure throughout the week and we had a really solid hit-out today, as if it was a game," he said.
"We need to make sure we have really good, four-quarter solid efforts against Essendon and for the rest of the year, and that we don't just let the season go."
Forward Taylor Walker has been given permission to play in the SANFL, and will make his return from a knee injury with Norwood on Saturday.
Katrina Gill covers Adelaide news for afl.com.au. Follow her on Twitter: @AFL_KatrinaGill