New Crow Riley Thilthorpe’s first pre-season at AFL level has been a shock to the system, but the youngster isn’t shying away from the challenge. 

Towering at 200cm, the West Adelaide product said it took him a moment to adjust to the demands of training. 

The 18-year-old revealed backing it up day-to-day was his biggest hurdle. 

“You’ve got a big session out on the track then you’re in for a huge gym session - can hardly stand up by the end of the day,” he told Triple M’s The Rush Hour.

“But it’s been unreal… I’m starting to get the hang of it now.

“A lot of sleep, a lot of eating, but it’s really good.”

But he’s not tackling the pre-season alone.

Thilthorpe said the guidance of the Club’s leadership group had been instrumental in helping him find his feet. 

“I’ve had so many take me under their wing - Tex has been really good, Tom Lynch has been really good,” he said. 

He was also asked a few rapid-fire questions about his teammates - and didn’t hold back. 

“Tom Lynch is probably (the smartest),” he said.

“Lachie Sholl is the funniest… and Tex fires up quite a bit.”

Off the field, the 18-year-old has picked up a new hobby. 

“I love my golf at the moment,” he said. 

“But my handicap’s about 20-21.”

And the pressing question for the 100kg tall?

“I’ve got a size 16 shoe,” Thilthorpe laughed.