Curtly Hampton is excited about the arrival of recruits Bryce Gibbs and Sam Gibson, and welcomes the challenge to vie with the duo - and others - for a spot in Adelaide’s best 22.

After an injury-ruined first year at the Club, Hampton established himself in the Crows midfield in the early part of last season.

The Greater Western Sydney recruit played the opening nine games of 2017 before suffering a serious ankle injury, which prevented him playing another AFL game.

Hampton, 24, knows he has work to do to force his way back into the senior side.

“We’ve got a really good group of midfielders this year. Obviously, we’ve got Bryce and ‘Gibbo’ here now, (adding) a bit more experience,” Hampton said.

“Spots are going to be pretty tight, but that makes training a lot better and more competitive which is great for the Club.

“I feel like there’s that spot there, but I need to earn it.”

Hampton is eyeing off the upcoming pre-season games as opportunities to impress ahead of Round One.

Adelaide is one of six clubs participating in the opening night of AFLX at Hindmarsh Stadium on Thursday, February 15.

The Crows will face Collingwood and West Coast at the inaugural 2018 AFLX tournament.

The Club will also play two matches as part of the JLT Community Series.

Adelaide will take on Fremantle at Strathalbyn on Sunday, February 25, and then Port Adelaide at Alberton on Sunday March, 10.

Tickets are on sale now, with game-access Club members receiving free entry to the JLT Community Series matches in which the Crows are competing

“We’ve had a few quarters of it (AFLX) at training. You have to run a fair bit but with less number, so it’s hard work but exciting,” he said.

“I’m looking forward to the JLT (Community) Series too so I can show the coaching staff and the rest of the boys what I can do still.”

Hampton has enjoyed a strong pre-season, completing every session to-date.

The line-breaking onballer hopes greater consistency in training and playing will help him produce his best football, and contribute to team success.

“My first three or four years in the system, I didn’t have an injury, so it was just the last few years that I’ve started getting a bit unlucky,” he said.

“I was pretty disappointed immediately after the injury last year, but now my body’s feeling good and I’m pretty hungry to finish off another good pre-season and get stuck in.

“We’ve put in a fair chunk of work.

“Everyone’s in really good shape, and with the season not too far around the corner we’re looking forward to it.”