New leadership mentor Darren Glass says his relationship with Phil Walsh was the primary factor in his decision to join the Crows.

Glass, 33, retired halfway through Season 2014 after 270 games for West Coast.

The respected defender worked with Walsh, who was an assistant at the Eagles, for five years between 2009 and 2013.

Glass spent 15 seasons at West Coast, winning a premiership, three best-and-fairest awards and earning All-Australian selection four times – once as captain (2012). He also captained the club for seven years. Glass said a desire to experience a different environment also contributed to the move.

“I joined the Crows because Phil Walsh and I had built up a good, strong relationship in our time together at West Coast,” Glass said.

“I wanted to be part of the culture he would create here, a culture of a team-first environment and one where elite standards are demanded, not only of the players but on the people around Phil as well.

“I just felt like it was time for me to experience something new and continue to build on my football knowledge. I’d been at one football club for 15 years and I just felt like it was time for a change.”

Glass has started his part-time role at Adelaide and said his early impressions were good.

“Clearly, there are great quality people right throughout the football club. I’ve been really impressed with the players and the elite standards they set and their drive and desire to improve and embrace everything ‘Walshy’ has put in front of them,” Glass said.

“My role will be to run the leadership program, which will mean I’ll work very closely with the senior leadership group, but it goes beyond that as well. There will be expectations of every player to show leadership and improve in this area.

“I think, ultimately, leadership is about influence and your ability to influence people. You can’t do that unless you build great relationships with them, so that will be a big focus for the group.”

Glass, who still resides in Perth with his family, has already made several trips to Adelaide.

“I’ll be here as much as Phil Walsh and the team need me. I’ve been able to come across a number of times pre-Christmas and lay some great foundations with the leadership group. That will continue into next year and I’ll be a resource for the rest of the football season.”