FOOTBALL pedigree has played significant roles in the lives of two of Adelaide's draftees, Mitch McGovern and Harry Dear.

McGovern's older brother Jeremy made his debut for West Coast this year, playing 13 games, while Dear's father Paul was the 1991 Norm Smith Medalist at Hawthorn.

Dear's uncle Greg also played 137 games for the Hawks, then another 53 at Richmond.

Speaking at his first day at training as a Crow, McGovern said his brother's advice was to stay true to himself.

"Just seeing the path that Jeremy has taken, it's helped me a lot," McGovern said.

"I know what to expect now and it just makes the AFL environment a lot more comfortable.

"Jeremy has always just said to be myself; don't try to change who you are and always just try your best in everything."

Although happy to play wherever coach Phil Walsh saw fit, McGovern said he thought of himself more as a forward.

Dear arrives at West Lakes as a tall defender who thrives on physical contests.

The 18-year-old said his focus on physicality was born from fatherly advice, while his uncle had also played a significant role in forming his football philosophy.

"They gave me football insight and [taught me] what's required to be a good athlete – handy tips along the way," Dear said.

"[Dad told me to] be a physical presence around the ground and make sure you own your space and just give it a 100 per cent crack."

The Hawks decided against nominating Dear as a father/son selection, made possible given Paul's 123 games for the club from 1987-1996.

But he said the snub from the premiers didn't add any extra motivation to succeed as a Crow.

"Playing AFL's been my dream ever since I was a young boy so to go on any AFL list, I was absolutely stoked," he said.

McGovern is currently living with fellow Western Australian Nathan van Berlo, while Dear is living with Rory Sloane.