Adelaide draftee Dan Curtin says he is “loving” life as an AFL footballer at West Lakes.
The Crows selected the 18-year-old with Pick No.8 at the AFL National Draft and Curtin made the move from his native Perth to Adelaide in December.
Although it’s only been three months since the move, Curtin told AFC Media he had quickly settled into life away from home.
Whether he was putting in hard work at the Club with his new group of “best mates” or winding down at the beach, Curtin said SA and the Club suited his personality perfectly.
“I’m really enjoying it at the moment, the group has been great at welcoming me and I’m absolutely loving Adelaide,” Curtin said.
“The group has been great at getting around myself and the other first year players, and really made it feel like you are going to work with 40 of your best mates every day.
“It (Adelaide) is not too different from Perth really, it’s really chilled, really laid back which suits my personality very well.
“Living with Bondy (Hugh Bond) has been great, I’ve really enjoyed getting down to the beach, hanging out and getting out for a swim when I can.”
Making the jump from underage football to training with an AFL Club has required some adjustments, according to Curtin.
But he says it is “a privilege” to be in a position where football is his full-time focus.
“You are doing what you love, all week, every week, so it’s such a privilege to be in this position,” Curtin said.
“There’s the big sessions, Monday, Wednesday and Friday and then gym, meetings and other footy commitments in between, it’s quite a big step-up from being in the Under 18s.
“Then being able to test myself on the track against guys like Taylor Walker, Darcy Fogarty and Riley Thilthorpe it’s been quite a jump, but a challenge I’ve loved taking on at the same time.”
The 197cm key defender recently spent time in the rehabilitation group after jarring his knee in early January, but returned to training with the main group on Monday.
“The knee is going really well and I’m rapt to be back in full training with the boys now,” Curtin said.
“Over the past couple of weeks I’ve done a lot of work in the rehab group, plenty of running and gym work to make sure I got it right.
“Returning to main training today (on Monday), everything went really well and I’m feeling very confident as we move into the practice games this month.”
As the season continues to draw nearer, Curtin’s focus is now on the Crows’ upcoming practice games against Port Adelaide and West Coast.
“Firstly I just want to get through the practice games really strongly and put my best foot forward,” Curtin said.
“From there my goal is to debut, whether that’s Round One or later in the season I’m not too fussed, I just want to contribute as much as I can to the team.
“I know that once that debut comes I’ll be ready for it, the work I’ve done this pre-season has put me in great stead and I am super excited to show what I can do when the opportunity arises.”
