Sam Kerridge has edged out Nathan van Berlo in a two-kilometre time trial to kick off Adelaide’s first training session of the New Year.
Kerridge, 21, has been van Berlo’s closest challenger in the Club’s endurance testing since joining the Crows three seasons ago.
But Monday morning’s result marked the first time the young midfielder has pipped the long-distance specialist around the Adelaide University Loop in North Adelaide.
The pair finished ahead of David Mackay and Riley Knight, with a host of other Crows also impressing in the Club’s maiden session of 2015.
All Australian defender Brodie Smith said it was an encouraging start to the year.
“It’s good to be back out here with the boys,” Smith said.
“The time trial first up was a bit daunting (and it) was a bit of a sleepless night last night, but the boys have come back really well and set some really good times.
“I think there were a lot of PBs today.”
See the photo gallery from Adelaide’s first training session of 2015
Smith said it was a sign of the competitiveness among the group to see van Berlo beaten in the time trial.
“He’s finally been knocked off - that’s the first time I’ve seen him go down,” Smith said.
“I know Kedge is pretty pumped and VB will be a bit filthy. Kedge has come back really well, and all the boys ran really well and pushed him to the line.
“It’s good to see.”
After a career-best season which saw him earn his first All Australian blazer and finish fourth in the Crows Club Champion Award, Smith said he would not change his mindset heading into 2015.
“I’ve approached this pre-season like any other pre-season,” he said.
“I just want to get out there and give my best. With a new coach you want to get off on the right foot and impress early, so there’s been no change for me.
“I want to keep improving and build on the year that I had.
“I’m just going to attack this pre-season like any other pre-season.”
With a focus on high-intensity running and elite training standards, Phil Walsh has promised the players they will work even harder in the New Year.
Smith said the players welcomed the challenge and were already looking forward to the season in earnest.
“I thought it couldn’t get much harder than (what we did) in December, but he’s come out and said it’s going to get harder,” Smith said.
“All the hard work we do now will pay off in the season, so all the boys are raring to crack in.
“We’re just going to embrace it and attack it as much as we can.”
