Adelaide defender James Borlase says lining up against two strong Crows forwards at training helped him to become AFL ready.

Borlase made his debut against Gold Coast at Adelaide Oval in Round 21 after being on the Crows’ list for the past three seasons.

He made an immediate impact in his debut game, collecting 18 disposals at 100 per cent efficiency, to go with nine marks and four tackles.

Speaking on last week’s episode of The Crows Radio Show with Sauce and Thomo, the 21-year-old said training against 250-gamer Taylor Walker and fellow forward Darcy Fogarty had helped fast track his development.

Borlase said playing in the SANFL had also provided a strong platform to help him become AFL ready.

“Playing on Tex and Fog every training session, I feel like it has held me in good stead,” Borlase said.

“I have played a number of SANFL games over the past few years which I felt had prepared me well.

“Goddsy (SANFL Senior Coach Mark Godden), (assistants) Marco (Bello) and Hombschy (Jack Hombsch), the couple of coaches I have worked with have made sure that I am ready.

“I felt like I was ready for a bit there, so it was good to get out there and get the win with the boys.”

Borlase arrived at the club in 2020 via the Crows Next Generation Academy after being selected as a Category B rookie.

Since making his AFL debut, the defender has played the past three games, averaging 8.7 disposals, 7.3 one percenters and 6.3 spoils per game.

Hear more from Borlase, plus a chat with former Adelaide player and current Club physio Tim Cook by clicking the above link or heading to the LiSTNR app.

Tune into Triple M Adelaide this Sunday at 9am or head to the LiSTNR app for the next edition of The Crows Radio Show, with Wayne Milera set to join Sauce and Thomo.