Brodie Smith has identified a quartet of Adelaide youngsters who have stood out during pre-season training.
The experienced half-back, who signed a three-year deal on Monday, picked out four young Crows who are impressing on the track and in the gym this summer.
Smith opened with talented forward Darcy Fogarty who is entering his fourth season in the AFL.
“He’s looking amazing,” he said on SEN Breakfast.
“Tommy Lynch had a big role in that. He had him on the elliptical in the off-season on most days, doing extra sessions with him.
“He ran a 15 or 20-second PB (personal best) in his 2km (time trial). All his weight stuff is up, his body is looking really good.
“We know how much talent he has got and hopefully it’s a breakout year for the ‘Fog’.”
The 21-year-old, who was taken with pick 12 in the 2017 draft, has returned 26 goals in 24 games over three seasons.
Smith highlighted the work a trio of other inexperienced Crows have been putting in as they prepare to fight for a spot in Matthew Nicks’ starting team in season 2021.
Improving defender Jordon Butts, 2019 draftee Lachlan Gollant and Rising Star nominee Lachlan Sholl have all caught the eye of their teammates.
“There’s a lot of young guys who have put a lot of kilos on the frame,” Smith added.
“Jordon Butts down back is looking really good. Obviously there’s a spot down there for those big guys as well.
“We’ve got some guys at each end in the key power positions that are really putting their hand up which is great to see.
“We’ve got young Lachie Gollant, I think he said he’s put on 13 kilos so that’s obviously a massive number, and good kilos too, he hasn’t come back fat!
“The one who has taken a big step and really impressed is Lachie Sholl. He won the 2ker, he’s put some muscle on and we know what he can do with his right and left foot.
“He’s one that really stood out for me.”
The Crows are looking ahead to their AAMI Community Series matches against North Melbourne in Hobart on February 28 and Richmond in Adelaide on March 7.
Their opening game of the 2021 season comes against Geelong at the Adelaide Oval on March 20.