The excitement is starting to build at Adelaide with the Club’s first NAB Challenge game less than three weeks away.

The Crows will take on cross-town rivals Port Adelaide on Sunday, February 16 at Richmond Oval. Tickets to the pre-season hit-out are available here.

Joint vice-captain Patrick Dangerfield said the playing group was eager for games to begin. 

“I think no matter what footy club you’re in, when the end of pre-season comes close players are getting excited,” Dangerfield said on FIVEaa.

“We were having a laugh yesterday (saying) we just cannot wait for games to start because then we don’t have to train as hard. We’ve trained really well and there are some players that are in phenomenal nick. I’m certainly looking forward to seeing what they can do come game day this season. 

“The boys are counting down.”

Adelaide will then play Carlton in its second NAB Challenge match at Etihad Stadium on February 24. A trial game against Greater Western Sydney in Blacktown is also penned for Friday, March 7.

While describing the injury to Club captain Nathan van Berlo as “gut-wrenching", Dangerfield said it was pleasing to see many candidates pushing to step into van Berlo’s vacant midfield spot.

“When one door closes for someone it opens for another, and that’s certainly the case for VB’s position in the midfield,” Dangerfield said.

“Sam Kerridge and Brodie Smith I think are going to have outstanding seasons. They’ve really set themselves up well with the pre-season work that they’ve done.”

Kerridge, 20, played 11 games last season, with his role primarily pushing up the ground from the half-forward line. Smith reached his 50-game milestone in Round 19. He’s played predominantly as a dashing half-back flanker for the Crows, but was drafted as a midfielder.

“Sam’s certainly setting himself for that position. He’s got an outstanding motor, can run all day and is well-suited to playing through the midfield,” Dangerfield said.

“I’d imagine both Sam and Brodie will run through the midfield and they certainly look ready to take it to the next level.”