Versatile Crow Andy Otten says he expects to play at both ends of the ground again this season.
After several injury-plagued years, Otten was a shining light in 2013.
The 24-year-old played all 22 games, occupying his trademark steadying role down back and also providing welcome support for Adelaide’s injury-hit forward line. The 192cm utility even spent time on the ball as a pinch-hitting ruckman.
Otten feels his ability to play as a ‘swingman’ will pay dividends in the AFL’s new age of capped interchanges and on-field man management.
“I’ve been busting my butt this pre-season working with the forwards and defenders, so I think I’ll be swung around a bit this year again,” Otten told FIVEaa.
“And I’m fine with that. I’ll play any position on the field and plug holes and fill gaps and do whatever is needed by the coaching staff.”
Otten booted 15 goals and averaged 14 disposals a game in 2013, capping off a stellar season with a top-five finish in the Crows Club Champion award.
With the players enduring their toughest and hottest pre-season yet, Otten believes there’s plenty of cause for optimism for Crows fans this year.
“I’m really looking forward to having a good year and a good team year,” he said.
“We want to win and be better than last year.”
Otten said several young players had helped set the standard on the track so far.
“Mitch Grigg had a taste last year and he must’ve liked it because he’s doing very well this pre-season,” he said.
“Sam Kerridge played a few games as well. He’s a freak runner and was really pushing VB.
“Matt Crouch is going great. He’s been over here a bit in the last two years, so he knew a lot of the boys when he came over. He’s tough and can find the ball. He’s good at getting the ball in congestion, busting through a few tackles and getting the ball off.
“We’re looking forward to having both the Crouch brothers on the field together at some stage in the future.”
With a new home at Adelaide Oval, the introduction of the Crows State League side, and a young and hungry squad on the rise, Otten says there’s never been a better time to get behind the Club.
“We’re aiming for 60,000 members this year and I think we’re at 45,000 at the moment, which is a great effort,” he said.
”We’re at Adelaide Oval this year, which is massively exciting. Most of the players were there for the Test Cricket in December and we kept saying, ‘Geez, how good is it going to be when we run out there?’
“We need as many members as we can and you definitely won’t want to miss out at Adelaide Oval.”
Be part of the Club’s push for 60,000 members this season. Browse 2014 memberships online at 19thman.com.au
