Adelaide utility Lachlan Sholl says midfield coach Nathan Van Berlo has brought some unique training methods in preparation for this weekend’s trip to Darwin. 

Set to be the Crows’ first trip to the top end since 2019, acclimitasing to the tropical conditions has been front of mind for both coaches and players this week. 

Speaking to the media on Tuesday, Sholl gave some insight into how he is preparing for the clash against the Suns. 

“We’re going up to Darwin and obviously we expect it to be a little bit warmer and VB (Nathan Van Berlo) is all over it, he’s got the heaters up in the gym next to the bikes and what not, so we’ve been encouraged to get in there and just try and acclimatise,” Sholl said.  

“It’s been a little while since I’ve run around in 30 degree heat, we’ll see how we go I suppose, it’s one I wouldn’t be able to tell you until after the game. 

“As a player you might take note of game day conditions, in the heat the ball might be a little more slippery and I think we got a reasonable look at that on the weekend, with similar conditions with the wet, so hopefully that holds up.”

Since returning to the side in Round 2, Sholl has played 10 consecutive matches at AFL level and averaged 18.4 disposals and 5.3 marks per game. 

He said his mindset this season has simply been to take every match as it comes. 

“I came in for Round Two and obviously I’m very thankful for that opportunity,” Sholl said. 

“To be honest it was just a matter of making that game a good one and trying to do my best there for the team and thankfully I'm still in there and giving it a crack.

“I suppose I am sort of looking at each week and seeing what I can bring to the team, whether that be out on the wing with my running or being able to help the backs out, it’s just all of those team first focuses, then I suppose I'll play my game from there.”

The Crows sit in seventh on the ladder and are just two wins shy of the eight wins they recorded last season.

Sholl said continuity within the group has been the key aspect behind the improvement in 2023.

“This is the fourth year with Nicksy now and it’s been another year of gelling with each other and bringing the game plan that we want and that Nicksy wants of course,” Sholl said.

“I think that the group is in good shape at the moment and that continuity of playing with each other week in, week out is certainly helping.”

Adelaide takes on Gold Coast on Saturday night, with the first bounce at 7pm ACST.