First year Crow Billy Dowling says a mixture of confidence and opportunity has brought about his best footy in the back half of the season.
After beginning the season predominantly in a forward role, the 19-year-old has been unleashed into the midfield in recent weeks, and is subsequently reaping the rewards.
Over the past five weeks, he has averaged an impressive 20.6 disposals and 4.2 clearances and cemented himself as part of the midfield rotation.
Speaking to AFC Media, Dowling said his game has grown significantly as part of the on-ball brigade.
“I am absolutely loving it, it's been really good for my development playing alongside guys like Sam Berry, Tyler Brown and Jackson Hately in the midfield,” Dowling said.
“Making the move more into the midfield has been really exciting, it’s been nice to slot and complement the work the boys are doing in there, and as a result I’ve grown a lot in confidence.
“I feel like every time I step onto the field I am learning so much and growing as a player both physically and mentally in the way I read the game.”
Dowling’s good form has corresponded with five straight SANFL wins for the Crows.
With a spot in the top three secured and a maiden League finals series on his horizon, Dowling said it would be an “honour” to play in September.
“It’s an exciting time of the year now heading into finals, all the boys are playing great footy and I think we are peaking at the right time,” Dowling said.
“To have the opportunity to play in some finals this year is going to be great for me, all the games I’ve played at Adelaide Oval this year have been incredible, so to do it again on the finals stage it's a massive honour.
“Playing in a finals series will be huge for my development, the stakes will be big and the pressure will be on, so for me to experience that at this point in my career will be a great opportunity.”
While the opportunity of playing finals football excites him, the 19-year-old is solely focused on the upcoming task at hand, which this week comes in the of Sturt at Unley Oval.
With second spot on the ladder up for grabs, he said the match was crucial in the context of the Crows’ season.
“This weekend is going to be a huge game for us,” Dowling said.
“It’s a good spot to be in, fighting for second spot, and we’ve been in a really good body of work over the last few weeks to get in this position.
“So it would be nice to continue that form this week and get a win over Sturt leading into the finals.”
Adelaide faces Sturt at Unley Oval this Saturday afternoon, with the first bounce at 2.10pm.
