Adelaide half-back Wayne Milera says he has embraced taking on a mentoring role for the club’s new Indigenous players in 2019.
The 21-year-old returned to pre-season training in November and took new recruits Tyson Stengle and Shane McAdam under his wing.
With the Club’s senior players not expected to return as early, Milera said he was happy to lead the way for the new recruits.
“Tyson and Shano, I just sort of helped them learn the structure and that sort of stuff,” Milera said.
“That’s what it is [about], being one of the older ones.
“When I came in [to the Club], a lot of people told me to speak to Eddie, who made me very comfortable.
“I wanted to do the same for them, make them feel comfortable in a new environment.”
Last November, McAdam spoke of the support he had received from Milera since joining the Club.
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Every three weeks or so, the Club’s Indigenous players catch up for what is known as ‘mob night’.
“We get around it and just have a meal,” Milera said.
“We just get away from the footy side and have a yarn about other stuff… it’s good to have that.”
Now entering his fourth season as a Crow, Milera is relishing in the opportunity to play several roles for the team.
“I like playing down back, I have all of it [space] in front of me,” he said.
“At some stage I would like to move into the midfield but I’m happy playing down back and I’m comfortable with my role.
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The young Crow has also had the chance to show off his speed along the wing, speed that saw him finish first and equal-first in Adelaide’s two 2km time trials during the pre-season.
Speaking about the rule changes regarding kick-ins, Milera said it would give defenders more space and “that extra five metres or so.”
“I reckon Smith will take them (the kick-ins) with that big leg, but I’m happy to if needed.”
Milera said the Club’s short injury list had created a good competition for spots.
“This time last year we had a lot of injuries, but this year everyone is fit and ready to go,” he said.
“I’ve come back a bit fitter and a bit stronger in my body."
