Nathan van Berlo believes Adelaide’s challenging start to the season will help fast-track the leadership skills of acting co-captains Rory Sloane and Patrick Dangerfield.

Sloane and Dangerfield are sharing the on-field captaincy duties in the absence of van Berlo, who is recovering from an Achilles injury. Van Berlo is on track to return in the latter half of the season.

Despite being in winning positions in all three games this season, the Crows are yet to taste victory. Sloane and Dangerfield, in particular, have also had to deal with increased attention from the opposition.

Van Berlo works closely with Adelaide’s leadership group, which also includes Scott Thompson, Sam Jacobs, Richard Douglas and Taylor Walker, behind the scenes. He said he was confident Sloane and Dangerfield would benefit from the tough initiation, adding you learn more in defeat than in victory.

“Sloaney and Danger are going really well. They’ve had a couple of challenges with the results not going our way, but they set a great example on field and are great role models around the footy club,” he said.

“They’re going to keep growing and using these experiences now to develop them into better leaders down the track.”

Van Berlo has a match day role in the coaches’ box and acts as a mentor during the week.

He admitted it had been tough to watch from the sidelines, but said his situation allowed him to be more objective.

“In a way, it’s probably good that I’m not as emotionally attached as much as the boys who are playing the game. It’s a pretty emotional rollercoaster week-in, week-out when you’re not playing at your best,” he said.

“I feel the same hurt and am shattered for them after a game, but I can actually help them get through the week as best they can and focus on what they need to focus on. I’m trying to help guys get back on track.

“I’ve got no doubt we’ll turn it around very quick. The boys are very resilient and our leaders are playing well. It’s only a matter of time before they drag everyone on board with them.”