Continuity and confidence are behind Troy Menzel’s recent run of impressive SANFL form as the recruit continues to push for his first AFL appearance as a Crow.

Many players have found it difficult to string together consistent performances so far this SANFL season given the stop-start nature of Adelaide’s early draw. The SANFL Crows have already had three byes in the first half of their season and will break once again next round alongside their AFL counterparts.

The challenge has been even greater for a player such as Menzel, who has been looking to establish himself in a new environment, under a new coach and playing alongside new teammates since crossing from Carlton in the summer.

Injury has also interrupted the livewire left-footer’s progress along the way. Menzel was concussed near the end of a strong opening term against Glenelg in Round Five, which also cost him another week on the sidelines the following round.

In his last three games, Menzel has kicked six goals and averaged 16 possessions a match as he continues to find form and confidence.

“Just being able to play a game each week and find that consistency has been great,” Menzel said after Adelaide’s 47-point win over the Redlegs at The Parade.

“I’ve been happy with my last few weeks of footy and I think I’m progressing well. Hopefully, after the bye I can keep stringing consistent games together, and we can continue to improve as a group."

A season-high 21-possession performance against Norwood was arguably Menzel’s best of the year. The 21-year-old worked hard up and down the ground, sent the ball inside 50 five times, laid four tackles and hauled in seven marks - including a crafty grab on the 50m arc which he duly slotted for six points.

Playing a mixture of half-forward and on a wing, Menzel said he was enjoying the freedom of his roaming role in Adelaide’s SANFL side.

“I played a lot higher today than I have in the last couple of weeks,” he said.

“I enjoy being around the ball and in and around the contest. It was good to get more of the footy and be amongst the packs a bit more, which I really enjoy."

“I’m feeling quite good about my footy going into the mid-year bye.”

SANFL Stats: Round 11 v Norwood

Opportunities are scarce in Adelaide’s AFL forward line this season, such has been the fine form of the Club’s attacking unit. The Crows lead the competition in points scored and have played with great chemistry through the opening 12 rounds of the season.

Menzel knows he’ll have to continue working hard and show patience to break into the senior side.

“It’s that team-first attitude, my forward pressure, being able to work up and back and provide multiple options – those are the things that I need to keep doing to get into the AFL team,” he said.

“I’ve just got to keep playing my role.”

Adelaide’s victory over Norwood was an important result for the Club’s SANFL campaign.

Following disappointing defeats at the hands of Central District and Sturt, the win keeps the Crows entrenched within the top five leading into the mid-season bye. Adelaide also remains within striking distance of the top teams as competition begins to hot up for the coveted double chance.

“Today was massive for us coming off two losses,” Menzel said.

“Being able to get the win heading into the mid-year break is huge for us. We’ll aim to carry that momentum into the second half of the season.”