Adelaide midfielder Billy Dowling says the connection of the Club’s younger players has helped them adapt to life at AFL level.
The 20-year-old is one of three Crows to debut since Round 13, with fellow midfielder Zac Taylor and defender Hugh Bond also being rewarded for strong SANFL form.
All three played key roles in Adelaide’s Round 18 win over St Kilda, with Dowling and Taylor recording 20 and 18 disposals respectively and Bond helping keep dangerous Saints forwards Jack Higgins and Liam Henry goalless.
Speaking to the media on Tuesday, Dowling said spending an extended period of time together at SANFL had helped the duo at the beginning of their AFL careers.
“We have a great young group coming through now, which is awesome, we are all very close as teammates and mates off field,” Dowling said.
“It’s great to see guys like Bondy (Hugh Bond) and Zac (Taylor) coming through as well, they are guys that have worked really hard in the SANFL and performed at a high level.
“To start my AFL journey with those guys has been great, and having played so much footy with them over the past 18 months, it’s been awesome to continue that at the highest level.”
Dowling has enjoyed a solid transition into AFL football, averaging 17.2 disposals, 4.4 marks and 2.2 tackles from his five appearances.
“Having a few games under the belt now, I have a much better understanding of what’s expected from me (at AFL level) and I’ve found that after each game I’ve taken something I can bring into the next one,” Dowling said.
“I’ve just been focused on playing my role for the team and then developing my game as a result of that.
“I definitely benefited a lot from playing SANFL footy before coming into the side, you are able to tinker your game at that level and develop quickly playing in such a high-level league.
“When I came into the AFL, I felt a lot more well-rounded as a player and confident I could go out and perform from the very start.”
Looking ahead to the final six matches of the home and away season, Dowling said he was focused on continuing to play his role.
“The goal is just to finish off the year strongly, we’ve spoken at length about how important it is for us to continue to build positive momentum over these next six weeks,” Dowling said.
“Personally I just want to continue to play my role and get more and more confident in what I can bring to the team at AFL level.
“I’m really excited to see what these next six weeks will bring and can’t wait for the challenge.”
Adelaide faces Essendon at Marvel Stadium on Friday night, with the first bounce at 7.10pm (ACST).
