Adelaide’s new SANFL recruit Nathan Freeman is looking forward to helping the side become a formidable force in the state league and help fast track the young players’ development.

The former St Kilda and Collingwood-listed midfielder signed with the Crows’ SANFL squad for the upcoming season after a standout 2021 campaign with Frankston in the VFL.

Freeman, who was a top-10 draft pick before injuries cut his AFL career short, said he was keen to start fresh with the Crows.

“Nicksy (Matthew Nicks) and (Adelaide List Manager) Justin Reid got in touch with me and went through the opportunity for myself to come and play… and contribute to the experience of the SANFL side and bolster that up,” Freeman said.

“It was sort of a no-brainer in the end.

“It’s more just to come and challenge myself in the SANFL, play a different league of footy.

“It was sort of a no-brainer in the end.

“I’ve also got some good relationships with some of the younger boys at the Adelaide Crows and being able to work with them and provide experience and a little bit of my story as well.”

The 26-year-old averaged 37.7 disposals per game with Frankston and was invited to train with the Gold Coast Suns this pre-season.

Speaking to the media on Wednesday, the midfielder said he now had confidence his body would hold up to the rigours of League football, following his strong VFL campaign.

He said his football journey had given him a chance to develop into not just a better player, but also a better person and he was keen to help others at the Crows.

“It is nice to have confidence in my body and know that I can do the work,” Freeman said,

“I’ve had a fair few kicks in the guts during my footy career but I guess I’ve built up the resilience.

“Also having the history I’ve had over the past six seven years, when I get out there, I probably appreciate it more when I do play.

“To be able to climb back and get to where I am, I’m in a much better space because of it and it’s probably helped my footy in a way, too.

“I’m pretty grateful for every game I play, now.”

Adelaide kicks off its SANFL season with a clash against Port Adelaide at Adelaide Oval on April 1.

The first bounce is at 4.10pm and will be a curtain raiser to the AFL Showdown.