Jason Porplyzia is primed for a strong start to Season 2014 after completing his first uninterrupted pre-season in three years.

Porplyzia, 29, endured a frustrating 2013. With the exception of a purple patch mid-season in which he kicked seven goals in three games, Porplyzia performed below his damaging best, selected for only 16 AFL matches. Determined to make amends, Adelaide’s 2009 leading goalkicker trimmed down over the summer and trained himself back into form. He was one of Club’s pre-season standouts and took his form into the NAB Challenge.

Porplyzia said he was feeling confident heading into Adelaide’s season-opener against Geelong on Thursday night.

“I feel good. The body is feeling good. It’s the first pre-season I’ve had for a while … probably since 2011 and in that year I played about five minutes because I did my shoulder. I’ve done all the work over the summer. I’m excited about what that (means) for me in the season,” Porplyzia said.

“One thing is to have confidence in your game … the other is to have confidence in your body. It’s good to have that at the moment and, hopefully, that translates into good performance.”

A feature of Porplyzia’s game this year has been his fierce tackling – an element of the game he’s battled with in recent years because of his history with shoulder problems.

“’Sando’ said to me last year that if I wasn’t’ producing in the attacking side of my game and kicking goals then I had to be involving myself in the game defensively. That’s something I’ve been trying to work on, and to get my tackle numbers up,” he said.

“I’ve also spent a bit of time through the midfield, so hopefully I can spend some time in there during games and get my possession numbers up as well.”

The Crows will kick off their 2014 campaign with a clash with Geelong at Simonds Stadium. Adelaide has won two of its past three games against the Cats, but like most teams hasn’t won at Geelong in recent times – not since 2003.

“It’s probably the toughest (road trip) in footy. I think Sydney is the only side to win there in four or five years. We’re looking forward to it though. There’s no better way to kick off the season than with a really tough task. We think we’re ready to go and we’ll certainly give it our best shot,” Porplyzia said.

“We know Geelong’s record and how good they are, but we’re not intimidated by the way they play. We try to play our own game style and if we carry that out as well as we can … and do everything right for the majority of the game I think we’ll be okay.

“We’ve done a bit of study on Geelong. From what we’ve been told, they’ve tweaked a few things but they’ve been the team to beat for the last seven years and I expect whatever they dish up, it’ll be pretty tough to beat.”

Thursday night’s match will be James Podsiadly’s first as a Crow and first against his former club.

Podsiadly played 83 games for Geelong, including the 2011 premiership, but his task now is to help bring the Cats undone.

“’Pods’ has been helpful in general. He brings a wealth of knowledge and is really good at teaching the game to younger guys. He’s got a lot of experience and has been in a winning side,” Porplyzia said.

“I’m sure throughout the next couple of days; guys will pick his brain about certainly players and things that Geelong does.”

The Crows and Cats have both been hit by injuries over the pre-season.

Adelaide will be without Richard Douglas (groin), Tom Lynch (shoulder), Andy Otten (knee), Taylor Walker (knee), Ricky Henderson (ankle) and Nathan van Berlo (Achilles). Geelong is missing the likes of forwards Steven Motlop (knee), Allen Christensen (back), Nathan Vardy (knee) and Daniel Menzel (knee).

Porplyzia said the unfortunate injuries at West Lakes would open the door for other players to show what they can do at AFL level.

“We’ve got some strong depth in our list. Guys got opportunities last year, who probably weren’t regulars in the side. There’s AFL experience in probably 30-35 guys on our list, so that holds is in good stead,” he said.

“A lot of guys have had really good summers, so whilst we have a couple of injuries there are certainly guys ready to step in, take their spots and cement spots of their own.”

One of those players pushing for an opportunity is draftee Matt Crouch.

Crouch was Adelaide’s first selection in last year’s AFL National Draft.

The 19-year-old inside midfielder impressed in two pre-season appearances and was poised to play a third until he was struck down by tonsillitis the night before the GWS trial.

“Brother of Brad, ‘Bobby’ … Matt has been exceptional. He hasn’t put a foot wrong and he’ll certainly be in the mix,” Porplyzia said.

“He’s a really clean player and a great decision maker for a young guy. It would be great to see him get a chance, if not this week, throughout the year. He’ll be knocking on the door. He’s going to be a really good player for this Club for a long time. It’d be good to see him early.”

 

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