The Crows have been bolstered by the return of injured pair Bernie Vince and Jared Petrenko on the first day of pre-season training for 2013.

Vince and Petrenko are both recovering from shoulder operations. Vince had minor surgery to remove a cyst in November, while Petrenko is continuing his rehabilitation from a post-season reconstruction on his right shoulder.

In December, Petrenko told afc.com.au he was a month ahead of schedule and hoping to play a part in Adelaide’s NAB Cup campaign, which kicks off on February 17. Petrenko and Vince joined the main group at training on Monday morning. The duo completed most of the session, but will be eased back into full-contact drills gradually.

Promising defender Matt Jaensch, who was on a modified program prior to Christmas because of a groin complaint, also joined his teammates for the three-hour session but Luke Thompson continued his recovery from ankle surgery away from the main group.

One Crow making the most of an uninterrupted summer is wingman/defender David Mackay.

Mackay played a career-best 23 games last year after adding 3-4kg of muscle in the offseason. The dashing 24-year-old is noticeably bigger again this summer, and said he was feeling more confident in his body.

“I feel great. I feel like I’ve shaken off the injury troubles I’ve had,” he said.

“I’ve managed to get a lot of training under my belt and as you get older and more mature your body just adapts to the workload. You become more hardened to the work.

“I’m feeling like I can really attack this year in the best shape I’ve been in, which is exciting.”

Mackay also tipped promising wingman/defender Brodie Smith to have a strong year following an impressive pre-season to date.

“Looking at someone like Brodie Smith, he just continues to develop,” Mackay said.

“He had a great season last year as a second-year player. He’s come back in great shape and is one guy who stands out to be in the midfield group.”