STAR Adelaide recruit Bryce Gibbs is going back to square one as he aims to make a strong first impression at the Crows.

The 28-year-old was Adelaide's big-name signing during the off-season and began training with the club's first-to-fourth-year players on Monday. 

Gibbs - who was the No. 1 draft pick in 2006 and played 231 games for Carlton - isn't taking anything for granted. 

 "It's about earning the respect of the playing group, coming from another club, so it's head down, bum up, train hard," Gibbs said on Wednesday. 

"I've played over 200 games, but I'm certainly not entitled to anything at this footy club in terms of a spot in the side. 

"I've certainly got to go out and earn that, and that's what I'm going to try and do over the summer."

Gibbs said he hadn't spoken yet with coach Don Pyke about what his role in the side will be next year.

However, he said he would be prepared to play across half-back and take over the spot left by injured defender Brodie Smith, who will miss most of the season recovering from a knee reconstruction.

"I've played a lot of half-back and back pocket in my career over the 12 years," Gibbs said.

"It's certainly not a new position for me.

"If that's what the team requires, I'm happy to help out where I can."

Gibbs requested a trade to the Crows so he and his fiancée Lauren could be closer to family.

But he now goes from a club that is firmly in rebuilding mode, to one that has genuine aspirations of winning a premiership after losing this year's Grand Final.

"I think that's an added bonus, the Crows are coming off the back of a really strong year," Gibbs said.

"They just fell short of the ultimate goal, but at the same time you're not entitled to anything in this game.

"It's as hard to win a flag as it's ever been and the competition is that even, so there's a lot of hard work to go."

Gibbs revealed he called all of the Crows' draftees on Friday night to introduce them to the club.

He said he'd already been impressed by the club's first-round draft pick, exciting forward Darcy Fogarty, who has been given the No.32 jumper worn by Brownlow medallists Mark Ricciuto and Patrick Dangerfield.

"It seems like he's got his head screwed on, which is a great start," Gibbs said.

"He's just keen to learn as much as he can."

Having worn the No.4 jumper at the Blues, Gibbs has been given No.6 at the Crows, made famous by high-flying full forward Tony Modra.

"As a kid, I was watching Tony Modra sit on blokes' heads," Gibbs said.

"I can't guarantee I can get off the ground, but I'll try the best I can.

"Kade Simpson, one of my best mates at Carlton, wears No.6 as well, so I'm honoured to wear that number."