Captain Taylor Walker says he’s eager to see which players seize the opportunity and secure a regular spot in Adelaide’s midfield next year.

Spots in the midfield are up for grabs following Jarryd Lyons' move to Gold Coast and the Crows' failure to secure Carlton star Bryce Gibbs during the AFL Trade Period.

Riley Knight, Wayne Milera Junior and Cam Ellis-Yolmen headline the list of contenders eager to get their chance, while Curtly Hampton, Harrison Wigg and first-round draft pick Jordan Gallucci are all looking to put their hand up for Round One.

"There's opportunities up for grabs and it will be interesting to see who will want to take them," Walker said.

"Every single player, I think (is in the running).

"You come in as a first-year (player), I don't put any limits on those guys either."

Versatility is also going to be a key for anyone wanting to secure a spot in the side.

"We'll educate every single player to play different positions," Walker said.

"I look at a Riley Knight. If he is to come into our team, he has to play inside midfield, outside, go forward.

"If you can play different positions it adds a big string to your bow."

The entire Crows squad returned to pre-season training at Football Park on Monday.

Walker, 26, is into his third week of training after returning earlier than required with the Club's 1-4 year players.

"I just wanted to come back and get five weeks in before Christmas," Walker said.

"I like to keep an eye on the young boys, see how they're going, see what sort of puppy fat they've got on!"

Emerging defender Jake Kelly took out the 2km time trial on Monday morning ahead of Rory Atkins, who had another impressive run.

Forwards Josh Jenkins, Tom Lynch and Mitch McGovern all trained away from the main group.

Jenkins (ankle) and Lynch (knee) are on modified training programs until the Christmas break after having foot and knee surgery respectively. Third-year forward McGovern was on light duties after a big couple of weeks.

Walker echoed coach Don Pyke in declaring contested ball to be a priority this summer.

“We need to be a little bit tougher in the contest,” Walker said.

“It will be an area we focus on quite heavily throughout the pre-season.”