Adelaide utility player Ned McHenry emphasizes the team-first attitude and the collective desire for improvement driving the Crows as they approach the 2024 AFL campaign. With the season set to commence in just over a month, competition for spots in the Round One side is intensifying as the pre-season nears its conclusion.
During a media interaction on Wednesday, McHenry openly acknowledged the fierce competition within the team to earn a spot in the opening round. However, he emphasized the players’ commitment to what is best for the team, with a shared goal of ending the Club’s finals drought.
McHenry, entering his sixth AFL season with the Crows at 26, expressed that this year’s pre-season has been the most enjoyable for him. He feels more experienced and confident about the expectations of pre-season, and his body is in better shape compared to previous years. McHenry praised the team’s training program, highlighting a balance between football-specific drills and gym work that challenges and stimulates the players.
As the pre-season fixture intensifies, the Crows are set to embark on their annual community trip to Port Lincoln next week. This trip includes community engagement activities and an internal trial, followed by a trial game against Port Adelaide on February 23. The team will then participate in an official AAMI Community Series game against West Coast before kicking off the 2024 AFL season against Gold Coast on Saturday, March 16.