Adelaide youngster Luke Pedlar is “firing” ahead of the 2023 season.
That is according to fellow Crows midfielder Sam Berry, who says the 20-year-old now has his body right and is looking as fit as ever.
Pedlar, drafted with pick 11 in 2020, has been restricted to just five senior games due to groin, adductor and shoulder injuries, while playing 25 times in the SANFL across 2021 and 2022.
However, if his preparation for the 2023 season is anything to go by, he could force himself into Matthew Nicks’ best side before too long.
“There’s a few boys that are firing,” Berry said on SEN’s Sportsday SA.
“My one at this point is Luke Pedlar. He’s got his body right, he’s looking powerful and fit and training really well.
“I think that’s been the key for him (getting some continuity in training). He struggled a little with OP (osteitis pubis) in his groins. It can be a pretty long kind of process. After two years it’s finally starting to go away and touchwood it doesn’t come back.
“He’s got his power back and looks to be in the best nick he’s ever been in.”
Berry, along with Pedlar, will hope to be central figures in an emerging group of Crows tasked with taking the rebuilding club forward in 2023.
The likes of Darcy Fogarty, Riley Thilthorpe, Josh Rachele and Jake Soligo form an exciting young collection of players at West Lakes.
“‘Fog’ has shown what he can do. The best of Thilthorpe is still to come,” Berry added.
“Players like Rachele, Soligo, there’s so much potential there ready to unfold. With a little bit more experience as well, we’ll all just kind of develop and get that little bit better.
“It is really exciting. We’re all super excited for what this year holds especially, but beyond that as well.”
Berry himself enjoyed a solid season in 2022, averaging over 17 disposals across 18 senior games and leading the league in tackles after spending more time through the middle.
The 20-year-old says he now feels much more comfortable as an AFL player after taking time to assimilate at the elite level.
“Especially towards the end of last year, my mindset shifted a lot, obviously (compared) to when you first start,” he said.
“It’s more in the direction of confidence and just knowing that I can do it. Now my body knows I can do it as well.
“It’s just having that attitude and rather than being grateful, which I obviously am to be there, but wanting to have more impact and take my game to the next level.”
Berry, drafted in 2020, has now played 35 AFL games for the Crows over two seasons and finished ninth in the best and fairest last year.
Adelaide opens its 2023 campaign against GWS at Giants Stadium on March 19.