Adelaide SANFL-listed midfielder Jay Boyle says winning the Club’s best development player award last season only made him hungrier for more individual and team success.

The 24-year-old took home the Dean Bailey award at the Crows’ Best and Fairest in 2021 for his on-field performance, dedication to training and commitment to the team.

After averaging 12.9 disposals, 2.9 clearances and kicking six goals last season, the on-baller was determined to get even better.

And, after five games so far this season, Boyle has averaged 16.6 disposals at 73 percent efficiency.

His 2022 numbers also include averaging 4.2 tackles and 3.4 clearances.

In the Round Five win against South Adelaide on Saturday, Boyle recorded the most tackles for Adelaide with six.

Speaking to AFC Media, Boyle said he was not satisfied and spent the off-season working hard on his craft.

“I just wanted to get fitter, stronger and learn as much as I could off the other boys,” Boyle said.

“I just wanted to get fitter, stronger and learn as much as I could.

“I’ve been doing a bit of extra running and a bit more gym work as well.”

Boyle, who works as a firefighter with the Metropolitan Fire Service, was recruited from Adelaide Footy League Club Brighton Bombers and lined up in five League games for Glenelg in 2017.

Boyle said Adelaide’s decision to reduce the SANFL development squad from 26 to 16 players this season had also helped fast track his development.

“I’ve been working closely with the coaches, especially Goddsy (Michael Godden) and Wrighty (Matthew Wright) as well,” Boyle said.

“We’ve also had a bit more time to work with the coaches and look at our vision for ways to get better which has been really good.”

Adelaide sits third on the SANFL ladder with a 4-1 win/loss record and Boyle says the form is a result of a strong culture, with each player having a team-first mentality.

“The standard at training is really high,” Boyle said.

“We’ve got guys like Louis Sharrad and Chris Hall who have played a fair bit of League footy on our list now, and they know what it takes.

“They’ve really helped lift the training standards.

“Everyone is just playing their role and it’s great for the Club if the SANFL side is doing well.”