Adelaide utility Ben Keays is ready to play whatever role Matthew Nicks needs in 2024.

The 27-year-old spent time across the ground in 2023 and enjoyed stints in the midfield, forward and even spells as a tagger.

The Crows No. 2 drew plenty of praise last season for shut-down performances on Carlton’s Adam Saad and Collingwood’s Nick Daicos.

With the Suns on the horizon this Saturday, Keays conceded he wasn’t yet sure what his role would be.

“I don’t think they’re (tagging days) over but I’m not sure what I’m going to do this week,” Keays said.

“I’ve trained in the forward line pretty much all summer, so that’s been my role, but definitely the option (to tag) is there hopefully if the coaches need it, but it’s good to have that versatility for myself, being able to do those multiple roles.

“I think I’ve probably done a little bit more forward this pre-season, that being said, I’ve had little stints (in the midfield) but I’ve really enjoyed the challenge to add that versatility.

“It’s been really enjoyable to work with the forwards coach (Scott Burns) this year.. to work on my forward craft and I’ve loved it.”

Adelaide will enter the clash fresh after Gold Coast opened their season last weekend, featuring in the AFL’s Opening Round.

Keays applauded the Suns following their victory over Richmond and was looking forward to matching up against them this weekend.

“They’ve (the Suns) clearly improved and they look really good,” Keays said.

“I think they have some really talented players and they were working really hard and clearly they’ve also had a big pre-season.

“It was good to be able to get a look at them and being able to play them this week and having the week off, we’ve had a bit of an extra look at them, so we know what to expect.

“We are feeling pretty good, pretty match fit and obviously we’ve got to have an extra look at Gold Coast and see what they were going to bring to the table.”

The Crows take on the Suns at People First Stadium on Saturday at 7.40pm (ACDT).

The game will be broadcast live on Channel 7 in Adelaide, Fox Footy and Kayo.