Harry Schoenberg is predicting a big 2022 campaign for youngster Riley Thilthorpe, while also suggesting star midfielder Matthew Crouch is in the frame for a Round 1 return.
Schoenberg, 20, shapes as one of the club’s key hopes of taking the next step in the coming season after a hot finish to 2021.
The big-bodied midfielder recorded over 20 disposals in six of his last seven games to end the season, including 24 disposals, six clearances, four inside 50s and a goal in Adelaide’s 44-point win over North Melbourne in the final round.
Adelaide are coming off a bottom-four finish but have the list profile to continue rising the ladder in the coming years.
Schoenberg suggested 19-year-old key forward Thilthorpe has the fitness and “X-factor” to have a big influence over the Crows’ upcoming campaign.
“Yeah he’s absolutely flying,” Schoenberg told SEN SA Breakfast.
“He’s probably the fittest at the club, he just runs all day.
“In his off-season he was absolutely smashing it for the boys, he’s a really hard worker and he’s put on a bit of size, so I think everyone’s looking forward to seeing him in his second year.
“Obviously in his first year he had a really good year, kicking five goals in his debut, he’s got some really good hype and got some X-factor about him too.”
Thilthorpe, who stands at 200cm, was taken at pick No.2 in the 2020 National Draft with a long-term view, and coach Matthew Nicks would be thrilled to see a return on investment just two years in.
Schoenberg also provided an update on Crouch, who missed the entire 2021 season with a groin injury.
He says the 2017 All-Australian – who averaged 32 disposals and five clearances a game in 2019 – has been training with the main group and could return as early as round one.
“Yeah he’s slowly made his way back throughout the preseason but the last couple weeks he’s been training with the main group, it’s great to see him out there,” Schoenberg stated.
“Obviously missing one year of footy, I’m hyped for him, he’s been a big role model for me throughout my career so far.
“So I’m really hyped to see him back out at training with us and he’ll definitely be putting his hand up for Round 1.”
Adelaide kick off their season against Fremantle at home on Sunday, March 20.