Adelaide forward Riley Thilthorpe describes his first two AFL seasons as “a bit of a roller coaster”.

The Crows selected Thilthorpe with Pick No.2 at the 2020 AFL National Draft and he burst onto the scene kicking five goals in his debut game - Round Six, 2021 - before going on to feature in 14 matches.

But last year, he found himself in and out of the Crows line-up, unable to cement a spot due to a mix of injury battles and form.

Now, entering his third season with Adelaide, Thilthorpe says he has a much better understanding of his body and what he needs to do to keep improving.

Speaking on this week’s episode of The Crows Show, the now 20-year-old said he was focused and ready to tackle the highs and lows of this season.

“It’s (the past two years) been a bit of a roller coaster,” Thilthorpe said.

“I started pretty well with the first game and then had a couple of nice moments in my first year.

“Last year I battled through injury a bit. 

“I knew there were going to be ups and downs but starting so well, it felt pretty good, but then it hit me last year when I didn’t have the year I wanted with selection and injury.

“I had a big pre-season, so I’m hoping to rebound this year.”

Despite missing out on selection in Round One, Thilthorpe came on as the sub in the second round, before playing his first full game of 2023 in the 31-point win over Port Adelaide in Showdown 53.

Coming off a five-goal performance against the crosstown rivals, Thilthorpe said it was a reward for his effort.

“I spent a lot of time in the gym during the off-season working on the upper (body) and got a lot stronger this year, so I’m really excited,” Thilthorpe said.

“I spend 45 minutes up there (in the gym) first thing in the morning and then after training I spend another 45 doing some loading and stuff like that.

“I probably put on a couple of kilos but lost a lot of puppy fat and turned that into muscle which has been really pleasing.”

Although there was a fair bit of hype that came with being a high draft pick, Thilthorpe said he tried not to take notice of the outside noise and just listened to the advice of the coaches.

“I don’t really listen to much outside noise, I listen to the coaches and what they have to say, we know what we are working towards, so just staying positive with that,” Thilthorpe said.

“(That was) something I learnt pretty early, I deleted Facebook and try to stay off of social media.

“I want to be an every time player and bring the ball to ground if I don’t make it and then finishing off my plays.

“I’m doing a lot right but finishing that final piece, holding the mark or kicking the goal, which I’m working on.”

Also on The Crows Show this week, former ruckman Sam Jacobs chats about his new role as Chairman of the Past Players and Officials Board, while SANFL CEO Darren Chandler joins to discuss all things Gather Round.

The Crows Show airs on Channel 7 on Sunday at 4.30pm.