Adelaide captain Jordan Dawson says harnessing healthy competition is driving the group forward this pre-season. 

The Crows returned for their first session of the New Year on Thursday morning, with competition a key focus, as the group split into teams to complete a number of drills and challenges. 

Speaking to the media following the session, Dawson said he felt healthy competition brought the best out of the squad.

“Bringing in the level of talent we did, it does bring with it that bit of competition, which I think has been a really healthy thing for our group,” Dawson said. 

“We train together all the time, during the season, the pre-season and in every off-season break, we are always together and as a result a healthy competition has formed amongst the group. 

“In our training we have tried to make everything a competition, splitting up into teams for different challenges and drills, I feel like going up against each other has helped get the best out of the group. 

“As captain, you love to see that competition out on the track, we are professional athletes and I feel that added pressure of selection helps drive us and makes us better.” 

Adelaide now embarks on a five-week pre-season training block, before it gears up for its internal trial match in Port Pirie on Friday, February 14. 

Dawson said there was a clear shift in intensity upon returning to training in the New Year, with the entire squad eager to prove itself ahead of the slate of pre-season matches. 

“Personally there is definitely a different feeling (returning post-Christmas), coming into the new year you know that the season is almost starting, there’s no more breaks,” Dawson said. 

“The intensity of training certainly rises, and there is a different mindset, knowing that we are into the season and we will be playing games very soon. 

“It’s an exciting time of year, and I know the boys can’t wait to attack this next block of training hard and be cherry ripe for that first internal in just over a month’s time.” 

From a personal point of view, Dawson’s pre-season focus has been all about utilising his versatility. 

He explained what his role would look like this coming season, and the importance of being able to be flexible. 

“It will probably be predominantly a midfield role, but I feel that with my ability to play multiple roles I could end up in a number of different spots throughout the year,” Dawson said. 

“Having guys like (James) Peatling, Isaac (Cumming) and Alex (Neal-Bullen) come in, it gives us more flexibility to switch-up positions, which is something the best teams of the past few years have done really well. 

“I’m happy to play whatever position is needed to help the team win.”