First-year forward Riley Thilthorpe enjoyed a solid season with Adelaide.

The 19-year-old played 14 games and kicked 18 goals, including five during his debut against Hawthorn in Round Six and the matchwinner against St Kilda in Cairns.

But Thilthorpe, who was selected with pick No. 2 at the 2020 AFL National Draft, said he had plenty to work on as he looked to solidify his spot in the side next season.

“I think once I played a couple of games I think I sort of got the hang of it and I’m excited to keep playing and go on next year,” Thilthorpe said.

“I just want to be a bit faster and a bit more powerful with my running. That’s my main one, just getting bigger and stronger and a little bit more powerful.

“We all know the game plan now, it’s just about executing. We'll be more experienced and hopefully a lot more consistent.”

“I just want to be a bit faster and a bit more powerful with my running.

Thilthorpe missed three games at the back end of the Crows’ 2021 campaign before coming back in Round 21 for the final three matches.

Speaking to AFC Media before returning for pre-season later this month, the athletic youngster said he had enjoyed his first year at AFL level.

“I’ve been loving playing footy with these boys at the moment,” Thilthorpe said.

“I am really excited to see what we can do next season.

“We had matched it with some of the best throughout the year, beating Melbourne and Geelong and then being really close to some of the other top teams.

“It’s just that consistency that we lacked and we have to bring it every week for four quarters and when we do that, we think we are a good shot at being a contender.”

Thilthorpe said wingman Lachlan Sholl had been instrumental for his development and he was keen to continue learning as he entered his second campaign at West Lakes.

“Lachie Sholl has been huge for me,” Thilthorpe said. 

“He loves doing extras and so do I, so we’ve got together to do some extra touch, extra ball work, extra gym, just all that sort of stuff which has been really helpful.

“The hard work is what got me here and that’s what is going to get me where I want to go.

“I just have to keep working hard and doing those extras so hopefully I’ll see the results on the field.”