Adelaide Captain Jordan Dawson says team defence has been a major focus this pre-season as the side looks towards its 2024 AFL campaign.

Crows players spent two days this week in Robe, as part of a pre-season trip, with a focus on team bonding and engaging with the local community.

Speaking to the media, Dawson said players were hungry to improve on last year’s 10th-place finish and winning close games would be the difference.

“Everyone came back in ripping nick and are training very well,” Dawson said.

“We are looking to sharpen up our defensive side of the game, I think that just comes with a little bit of experience, as well.

“In those close games, really having belief in what we are doing as a group and I think that’s naturally going to progress with a young side, in those close games you start to expect to win.

“There’s a few things we are definitely working on, but in terms of offensively, we’ve got some weapons down there, so we will look to utilise them again.”

The south-east community met their favourite Crows players on Wednesday, following an open training session.

Dawson, who hails from Robe, says returning to the south-east not only allows him to give back to the community that helped shape him but also show his hometown to Crows teammates.

“I shared this with the boys, for me, I think when I was in about Year 3 or 4, I remember a couple of Crows players coming down and that really stuck with me my whole life,” Dawson said.

“I think it’s important for kids around the region, obviously it is a four-five hour drive for some, and I said to the guys some of these kids would’ve never seen AFL players before.

“I feel like it was really important to give back to the kids and really show it is possible to play AFL if you’re around the country region, and it is something these kids will remember for the rest of their lives, as well.

“Everyone really bought into that and I am really proud to be down here and showcase what we are as a Club but also give them a bit of hope that you can play AFL.”

Dawson said the side was eagerly awaiting the start of this year’s season, with the Crows’ Round One game just 51 sleeps away.

“We are chomping at the bit to start playing games,” Dawson said.

“The guys who are injured are slowly integrating back into training, Harry Schoenberg is back running, Nick Murray is doing drills, and we are just all excited for the match sim and then play real opposition.

“We’ve definitely grown as a group and individuals are really starting to stand up, as well.

“Jake Soligo has gone to another level again, Rachele and Rankine are always livewires out there, even the new boys - Dan Curtin was really looking good, and Charlie Edwards, Oscar Ryan - they’re all showing a lot, it’s exciting as a group as well.”