Adelaide key defender Nick Murray says he feels settled in Adelaide’s backline after focusing on improving his composure this past off-season.

Murray has featured in all three of the Crows' AFL games so far in 2023 and has more often than not been given the task of standing on the opposition's key forward.

The 22-year-old has taken it in his stride and has averaged six spoils per game so far.

Murray said he was expecting another tough challenge against Fremantle at Adelaide Oval on Saturday, coming up against with Dockers' forwards Matthew Taberner and Luke Jackson.

“I feel like this year I have taken a bit more composure with my game and it has definitely helped for sure,” Murray said.

“All the teams have pretty experienced key forwards, so every week is the same.

“(I’ll) just look to body them out early.

“(Jackson) he is quite quick, very agile, jumps at the ball really well for his age.”

Since joining the club in 2021 as part of the Pre-season Supplemental Selection Period, Murray has played 32 games.

Now in his third season, the defender credits Adelaide's coaching cohort for fast tracking his development.

“Getting involved more, talking and setting up other guys has helped my game," Murray said.

“(I’ve also been doing some) kicking with Matthew Wright after training, going through stuff with our line coach Scott Burns – Jack Hombsch has been good.

“Talking to those guys because they have experienced it all and then taking the key things from there and trying to add it to my game.”

Murray heaped praise on fellow defender, Max Michalanney, who had impressed  in his three games of AFL footy.

“He’s been amazing, for someone at that age to have so much composure,” Murray said.

“I remember when I came in I was a couple of years late and I was so frantic like a lot of boys are.

“For him to come in at 18 and just be so composed at AFL level you don’t really see that often

“He’s really fit into the squad nicely.”

Adelaide takes on Fremantle at Adelaide Oval on Saturday, with the first bounce at 1.15pm.

Tickets available here.