A summer focusing on his disposal is paying off for Adelaide defender Rory Laird, who re-signed with the Crows for three years on Monday.

Laird has been one of Adelaide's best players this season, averaging almost 23 possessions a game – up from 16 a game last year. 

The accuracy of those possessions has been even more impressive. Laird's disposal efficiency of 81.1 per cent is bettered at West Lakes only by fellow defender Luke Brown (81.8 per cent) – although Brown has averaged far fewer touches a game.

The 21-year-old, who had an injury interrupted 2014 season, said his great jump forward had been a result of hard work and the confidence that work had produced.

"I was out of the side last year and that was my goal to come back into the team at the start of the year and lock down a position," Laird said.

"A bit of work over the summer with a couple of coaches has helped me with [my disposal] and it's showing on game day with me kicking the ball a bit better than I was last year.

"The more games you play and the more comfortable you get at the level – a bit more experience – that confidence comes.

"Putting in consistent performances kind of helps that as well."

A slight change in role and personnel in Adelaide’s back half has also contributed to Laird’s increased output this season. As well as playing as a small, rebounding defender, he’s also enjoyed stints onball as a negating midfielder, playing on the likes of Brent Harvey and Sam Mitchell.

“It’s my role in the team to, first of all, lock down my man and then kind of give a bit of rebounding run out of back 50m,” Laird said.

“We’ve got a young backline, ‘Jaenschy’ has gone down (with injury) and ‘Smithy’ is playing a bit more of a midfield role (which has affected my role).

“I’m just trying to play my role for the team; and it (my role) has varied from week-to-week.”

Overlooked in the 2011 AFL National Draft, Laird was given an opportunity by the Crows as a rookie.

The hard-nosed defender said he was pleased to progress from an initial one-year contract to a three-year deal with Adelaide.

“I’m really happy to get it (my contract) done; get it out the way and get the security of three years.”