Nathan van Berlo will be released from tagging duties next season, says Crows coach Phil Walsh.
Van Berlo, 28, missed the entire 2014 campaign after rupturing his Achilles tendon in a pre-season training incident.
The former captain, who remains part of Adelaide’s six-man leadership group, last played on August 31, 2013, in Adelaide’s final round win over West Coast.
Walsh said he was eager for van Berlo to find more of the footy this season.
“I’m not sure if I’m a tagging coach, because I believe in team defence,” Walsh said on FIVEaa on Tuesday.
“But I think you need a — can I call him a ‘cooler?’
“I suppose ‘VB’ has played that role in the past, but I’m keen for ‘VB’ to get back up and down and find the footy again.”
Walsh said the Crows had other young talent available to fill the role when required.
“We’ve got some potential there,” he said.
“I think Rory Laird’s done a couple of good jobs, and Sam Kerridge has had a great pre-season. But we might find a young guy a few people might not have considered as a cooler.”
