WITH the game in the balance in the final quarter against the Sydney Swans last weekend, Brent 'Radar' Reilly outmarked Swans forward Ryan O'Keefe, played on and, via Scott Thompson and Rory Sloane, Jason Porplyzia finished the attack with a goal.

It was a mark that not only changed the course of that match; it showcased the confidence of a man who has truly embraced his move into Adelaide's defence.

Reilly said his midfield ability had made the move into defence a relatively easy one, and meant he could generate attack with confidence, rather than simply aiming to stop his opponent.

"I can use my marking and my kicking and it's a role I really enjoy," he said.

"With my tagging, I was used as a bit of a link-up player also, I wasn't just a set tagger, but it's obviously helped me in defence, beating off my opponent and then worrying about getting the ball myself."

At 28, Reilly is one of the more seasoned campaigners in Adelaide's defence that boasts the youthful talent of Matthew Jaensch (22), Sam Shaw (21) and Daniel Talia (20).

He said that along with Graham Johncock, Michael Doughty and Ben Rutten helping to teach the younger brigade, Adelaide's backline could form into a premiership-winning partnership.

"If we can get a group of six or seven, maybe even eight players who can role through there, it's going to help us in the long run," he said.

"We all want to go all the way and win a premiership, but I think we've got the clientele to go and challenge.

"It's obviously an exciting time for the footy club and if we can get six to eight players settled as a group we're going to have a good defence."

While the 162-game veteran maintained it was too early to assert expectations on the playing group for 2012 (apart from a finals berth), Reilly said failed campaigns in 2005 and 2006 acted as inspiration.

"That team we had in '05 and '06 was an outstanding team and it was very disappointing that we didn't go on to win the premiership in those two years," he said.

"We can draw from that experience and, as I said before, we've got an exciting list and we're building towards that team goal."

Before the Crows can worry about finals or challenging for a premiership, Reilly admitted they must first challenge the top four sides in the League.

They managed to beat one of those teams last week in the Sydney Swans, they'll get their shot at Carlton in round eight, and while Geelong and Collingwood currently sit outside the top four, most pundits expect them to be around the mark when it matters most.

On the back of last week's inspirational five-point victory over the Swans, Reilly said his side is ready to take on the best the AFL has to offer.

"Its going to be a very tough challenge for us, but I think we're ready to take on those top four teams and, I guess, ready to show the competition that we're the real deal and we're a team to look out for," he said.

Harry Thring covers Adelaide news for AFL.com.au. Follow him on Twitter: @AFL_Harry.