Adelaide Assistant Coach Scott Burns says key defender Jordon Butts has become an integral cog of the team’s backline and the youngster is reaping the rewards of hard work.

Butts, who signed a two-year contract extension in March, has played 14 games this season and is averaging 6.1 spoils and 5.1 contested defence one-on-ones. 

Speaking ahead of the Round 16 clash with Brisbane, Burns heaped praise on the 21-year-old’s form and said he would play a key role in halting the Lions’ forward line.

“Jordon Butts has been a fantastic result for us,” Burns said.

“Credit to Jordon more than any of the coaches or anyone who’s developed him over the last two or three years.

“He’s a self-driven athlete, hugely competitive, really enjoying and embracing the roles he gets. 

“He does a lot of study, be that watching his opposition players mid-week onwards, seeing their strengths and weaknesses.

“It’s full credit to someone who’s self-driven at being the best they can be.”

Burns said players and coaches had reviewed Adelaide’s loss to Carlton and were now focused on this weekend’s battle.

“They’ve (Brisbane) been terrific in terms of their contest, their midfield, forward, back, doesn’t matter where it is, they’ve got some strong boys in their team and they’ll certainly test us,” Burns said.

“It’s going to be a great challenge for us.

“When you’ve got a team with not a great deal of shared experience, we need some really strong leaders to stand up in those points in time to help them out.”

Burns said the Crows were improving each week but it was going to take time for the young side to get to where it wanted to be.

“I love, and I hope the supporters do, too, and certainly the general public, the way we’re playing.

“They’re competitive, there’s a little bit of flair as well.

“There are signs, but it’s still going to take a little bit of time.”