Adelaide defender Patrick Parnell says building up his strength and endurance are two main priorities for him during this pre-season.

Parnell, who joined the Crows via the 2021 Mid-Season Rookie Draft, lined up in 11 AFL games this past season, after breaking into the side in Round Seven against West Coast.

The 20-year-old’s aim, however, is to cement a regular spot in Adelaide’s backline and returning to SA about a month before pre-season officially kicked off proves how serious Parnell is about his goal.

“There were a fair few boys in Adelaide who had come back to Adelaide before pre-season, so I came back in October, I wanted to come back to pre-season in good nick.

“I am still trying to put on a little bit of size and I have been able to add a few kilos over the off-season and improve my strength a little bit, which has been good.

“I’m also still working on the defensive aspect of my game, which I think I have improved on a lot, but also building on my strengths which are using the ball well and using my speed.

“It was nice to get a good run at it towards the end of last season and I’d love to be in the side for Round One and play a lot more AFL footy come next season.”

"I have been able to add a few kilos over the off-season and improve my strength.

Parnell was recruited from the Murray Bushrangers and Albury Tigers, and signed a two-year contract extension with the Crows in July.

Despite this being just his second full pre-season with the Crows, Parnell has also been putting in the work off the field, helping to build on the strong culture at the Club.

Together with teammate Lachlan Gollant, Parnell was at the airport last week to welcome recruit Hugh Bond to the Club.

Speaking to AFC Media, Parnell said he would never forget how his new teammates made him feel comfortable when he first arrived and he wanted to repay the gesture.

“Me and Lachy Gollant have had Hugh staying with us for about a week now,” Parnell said.

“He’s done a little bit of training with us now and he looks good.

“When I came over about 18 months ago now, I stayed with Lachy Gollant and (former teammate) Ronin O'Connor and they were big for me when it came to helping me fit in.

“They took me around Adelaide and showed me what it’s all about, so I think it’s nice to be able to do that for Hugh and show him around.”

Parnell said the break had helped refresh the side and players were attacking pre-season with a high intensity, as it edged closer to Round One.

“It feels like we are building something special, the quality of training has been really good, everyone has been cracking in very hard and the intensity has been right up there,” Parnell said.

“I think it’s been a really good start to the pre-season and hopefully we can keep building on that and come Round One, be ready to go.

“Right across the board training has been really good and I think we are in for an exciting year.”