Adelaide forward Riley Thilthorpe says the next few weeks of pre-season training are set to be “really tough” as the Crows edge closer to their Round One game.

Speaking on Triple M’s The Rush Hour with Bernie, Blewey and Jars, Thilthorpe said the intensity would be increased within both fitness and skill-based drills.

“We’ve been told by Burgo (High Performance Manager Darren Burgess) that the next couple of weeks are going to be really tough and probably the worst weeks of our lives,” Thilthorpe said.

The 20-year-old featured in 11 AFL games in 2022 after suffering injuries to his knee and ankle.

Thilthorpe said the main focus of his off-season and pre-season was regaining fitness.

“The biggest thing (has been) getting my body right,” Thilthorpe said.

“I had a few niggles out throughout my first couple of years, so just trying to get that right.

“I want to get a bit stronger -  we just want to get better from last year and all improve and build towards playing finals.”

The key forward also told listeners what he had been getting up to away from training these past few months.

“I play a bit of golf but I just got a puppy so he’s keeping me on my toes at the moment,” Thilthorpe said.

“I got a little English Staffy and he’s about 10 weeks old.”

The Crows will play an intraclub match, which is open to Members and fans, on February 17.

They will then travel to WA for practice games against Fremantle and West Coast, before their Round One clash against the Giants on March 19.