Dale King will always remember the day Crows coach Neil Craig personally told him the number one rule as a defender.

It was day two of the Darren Jarman/Crows Academy and 70 young footballers were having a question and answer session with Craig.

King built up the courage to stick his hand up and ask "what is the most important advice you can give a defender?"

Craig's answer was simple: "Know where you opponent is at all times".

It is advice King will surely put to good use. A defender with Kimba Districts, some 460kms north west of Adelaide, 15-year-old King is "seriously committed" to his footy.

So when mum Katrina saw an ad for the Academy's first intake she booked her eldest son in straight away - before even asking him.

"He's always lived and breathed his footy and been so committed, and the Academy has been brilliant for him," Mrs King said.

"He has learned so much about how to prepare to get the best out of himself. He came home yesterday talking all about the nutrition lecture given by the Crows club dietician."

King says on the field he has also picked up some helpful tips. In one of the skills sessions his marking style was corrected by Crows legend Darren Jarman.

The Darren Jarman/Crows Football Academy, supported by Radio 5AA, was an initiative of the Adelaide Football Club to help budding young footballers, aged 12-16 years, prepare to become AFL footballers.

The Academy has included daily skills session with Darren Jarman as well as presentations from Crows players, coaches and officials on topics such as game strategies, team structure, weights, nutrition, recruitment, leadership and preparation.

Jarman says the information passed on to the participants over the three days has been invaluable to their football futures.

"It has given them an enormous advantage," Jarman said.

"If it had been available to me 20 years ago I would have been far better prepared when I arrived at Hawthorn."

And while Dale King will never forget his "Craig experience" his mum also has a "life experience" of her own.

Privy to a tour of the players facility along with other parents and their children, Mrs King was lucky enough to see Tyson Edwards swimming laps in the pool.

"I can tell you there were a fair few mums happy to end the tour there," Mrs King said.

King cites Edwards and Scott Thompson as his favourite players because of their skill level and ability to read the play.

Who would believe King arrived at the Crows Monday as a Power supporter - not any more.

For interest in the next Darren Jarman/Crows Football Academy please call 8440 6666