Crows recruit Josh Jenkins says a year in the AFL system helped him through the first week of pre-season training with new Adelaide coach Brenton Sanderson.

The 199cm former Essendon rookie felt comfortable at West Lakes, having crossed from a club with former Geelong coach Mark Thompson in its coaching department.

 “The biggest thing I have noticed is actually the similarities,” Jenkins said.

“We obviously had a strong Geelong influence at Essendon last year and already some of the drills we have done is stuff I’ve already done. I really think that I’m going to have a bit of an edge because I’ve had 12 months doing that sort of stuff.”

Jenkins said “getting back to basics” had been a theme of the first week.

“The reins are still on ... Sando is saying 60 per cent intensity and guys are sprinting around but you can’t help that, you just want to get out there and impress, especially with a new group. Even the older guys are looking to impress a new coach.”

Jenkins admitted Adelaide wasn’t at the top of his list when he first thought of switching clubs after one season on Essendon’s rookie list.

But after meeting officials and then flying to Adelaide to meet the new coach and tour the facilities, the Crows became his preferred option.

“I was only here for four hours but as soon as I got on the plane (to Melbourne) I wanted to come back straight away, so all things fell into place,” he said.

“It was the extra effort that the club went to get me across. I’m 22 so I was itching for an opportunity and one presented itself here, so I took it.”

Jenkins was selected by Essendon with pick No.12 in last year’s rookie draft after turning his back on a basketball career at the end of 2009. He had played football  until the age of 17 and was spotted playing for Lake Boga in the Central Murray Football League.

His athleticism stood out this week at training and Jenkins says he doesn’t yet want to be classified as a pure ruckman.

“I don’t really know here I play yet,” he said. “But ultimately if I get a chance at senior level, whilst trying to be versatile I’d like to really grab a spot and make it my own and stay there for a long period of time.”