Myles Poholke sees the upcoming AFLX tournament as a chance to push his claim for a senior debut.

The strong-bodied midfielder played 16 games for Adelaide’s SANFL side last season after being drafted with the Club’s second pick at the 2016 National Draft.

He was named as an AFL emergency for the Crows’ Round 19 clash.

After playing in two JLT Community Series matches for the Club in his maiden pre-season, Poholke sees the game’s newest format as an extra chance to gain valuable match practice as he works towards an AFL debut in 2018.

“Any chance you get to pull the jumper on for the Adelaide Crows is a massive honour,” he said.

“If I get the privilege to chuck it on in the AFLX, then that’s obviously a really exciting concept.

“It’s a really fast pace, and I think it would be a really good opportunity to showcase what I’ve got.”

As inside ball-winner and renowned tackler, Poholke proved a headache for opposition sides last season, finishing in the top three for the SANFL Crows for inside 50ms and kicking several crucial goals.

While these attributes are sure to suit the modified rules of AFLX, Poholke believes a varied squad will be required to succeed in the tournament, which the Crows will play in front of a ‘home crowd’ at Hindmarsh Stadium.

“I think you need your quick outside players but you still need your big fellas down each end to help out,” he said.

“Also you still need the blokes inside as well, someone has got to get the footy.”

“It’s tough, it’s very quick, and played at a high intensity.  I think we can put a good team forward and hopefully have a good run at it.”

Now deep into his second summer as a Crow alongside close friend and fellow 2016 draftee Jordan Gallucci, Poholke is buoyant about the steps the younger members of the playing squad have taken in recent weeks.

“I think every year we’re going to get stronger, bigger and better,” he said.

“Obviously the second time around you know what’s to come, we’re a tight-knit group and we feel a lot more comfortable.

“We’re a lot more confident in our abilities so we’re able to go out there and showcase what we’ve got.”

Poholke knows if he wants to break into the Crows midfield he’ll need to continue put an emphasis on conditioning himself to adapt to the jump in intensity and pace between SANFL and AFL level.

His pre-season focus on improving his endurance has paid off, with the 19-year-old recording a personal best result in the latest 2km time trial.

“I’ve come back in good nick this year and I’m feeling really good,” he said.

“It’s good to run a PB and really set myself up for a shot at an inside role or outside role at this season.”

The midfielder has been shadowing several experienced players at training, including Rory Sloane and Richard Douglas, as he leaves nothing to chance with Round One fast approaching.

“I talk to Sloaney and Dougy a lot, but I try and learn as much as I can off many different players as I can, and then see what I can do with it.”

“Everyone’s trying to get into that best 22, so I’m doing everything I can to put my best foot forward and crack into the team.”

Tickets for the AFLX tournament in Adelaide on February 15 can be purchased from X.afl.