Adelaide defender Chayce Jones says becoming more versatile has been a key pillar of the Crows’ 2023 pre-season.

The Crows have just under eight weeks until their Round One match against GWS and Jones said the focus at training had now switched to include more football-based drills.

Jones, who on Wednesday spent time playing on the wing during a match simulation session, said he was keen to add more strings to his bow this year.

“We’re all out here to play footy, so it’s the best time of the year when you start getting into games,” Jones said.

“I played a little bit on the wing (at training), so it’s a bit of a change up and I’m just sort of seeing what fills the best role for the team and for myself as well.

“I just love playing footy, you just roll through different positions and it’s always nice to be around the footy but I’m happy to play a role for the team if I need to as well.

“I want to take (my game) to the next level, so if I can play a little bit on half-back, a little bit on the wing, we can roll through different positions and make it hard for other teams, it will make us better.”

The 23-year-old, who was recruited at the 2018 National Draft, only missed three games last year, increasing his total matches played to 58.

Speaking to the media on Wednesday, Jones said there were many players who had impressed and returned to pre-season training in solid shape.

“There’s so many young fellas - Soli (Jake Soligo), Ranks (Izak Rankine), they’ve been going well, Nank (Luke Nankervis) out there today was good,” Jones said.

“Muzza (Nick Murray), Buttsy (Jordon Butts), as well, we are starting to develop a good list together.

“We’ve got a lot of players who can play in a lot of different positions, so we want to make the most of that and play to our strengths.”

Jones said the start of the new season could not come quick enough, with players eager to kick off their campaign.

“This Club gave me the opportunity to start with, so I want to play some really good footy,” Jones said.

“There’s definitely an opportunity, there’s always an opportunity to take the next step, you’ve just got to be able to seize it and have a good year.”