The 2023 season was one of growth for the Adelaide Football Club. 

From a pair of Showdown victories to opening Gather Round in style, the campaign was filled with memorable moments.

Across the next few months we will look back on the 2023 season by hearing from the players who helped define it.

Welcome to AFC Media’s Reflections series.

From the moment Luke Pedlar walked into the Adelaide Football Club, his raw talent was there all to see.

A powerful athlete blessed with silky skills, the No.11 pick at the 2020 AFL Draft had caught the Crows’ attention, with an ability to break games open at junior level.

But the biggest challenge that stood in the young gun’s way was consistency, in both his body, and form on the field.

Across the first two seasons of his career, he was dealt a fair share of adversity in that space, as injuries limited him to just  five AFL appearances prior to the 2023 season.

Heading into the new campaign, Pedlar’s goal was simple.

He wanted to show everybody what he could do.

Putting together his first full pre-season as an AFL footballer, the 21-year-old commanded selection for the Crows’ Round One clash against GWS, and from there, broke out to become one of the competition’s most exciting young players.

Speaking to AFC Media, he reflected on his mindset leading into the start of the season and how continuity helped him come out of shell.

“I was pretty nervous before the first few games, prior to this season I’d only played three matches at the elite level, we got belted in all of them and I didn’t really get much of the ball,” Pedlar said.

“The biggest thing for me early on was just getting comfortable and confident in my role, which I felt I was able to do in those first few games.

“Once I had gotten a bit of the ball and contributed, I felt my confidence start to grow and as the year went on I came out of my shell more and more.

“Things like talking more on the field and having the confidence to back in my ability to beat my opponent, I feel I was able to contribute in a number of ways and become much more dynamic as a player.”

Pedlar has quickly become a crucial cog in Adelaide’s side. 

Featuring in 21 matches, he averaged 11.9 disposals, 3.4 marks and 2.6 tackles per game - while also booting 25 majors and claiming a Rising Star nomination in Round 16.

It was a breakout year in every sense of the word, and he singled out one game in particular that helped him believe he had what it took to thrive at the elite level. 

“The first Showdown win was a big one for me, I was involved in the game last year where Daws (Jordan Dawson) kicked the goal after the siren, but as the sub so I didn’t get to fully experience it,” Pedlar said. 

“So to be able to play the full-game this time around and have an impact by kicking three goals, it was a very special night for me. 

“I took a great amount of confidence out of the fact that I was able to perform on such a big stage, and that really helped me find my groove.” 

What also helped Pedlar thrive in 2023 was completely dedicating himself to one position. 

Having spent the early part of his career trying to juggle being both a forward and midfielder, the decision was made that he would spend this season focusing solely on his forward craft.

He said that decision was a key factor behind his growth this season.

“I’ve worked very closely with Rahls (James Rahilly) over my career and he spoke to Nicksy prior to the season and we all came to the decision that it would be best for me to play as a sole forward this year,” Pedlar said.

“Tunneling all of my focus into my forward craft really helped me nail down a spot in the team and become a more consistent player at the level.

“Being a part of the group up forward has been great, we’ve worked really well together and put together some great performances.

“I’ve learnt so much from being a forward which will be really beneficial as I look to expand my game in the coming years.”

When it comes to expanding his game, Pedlar said he already has his sights set on where he wants to take his game in 2024 and beyond.

“Getting a taste of AFL footy this year as a forward was great, but ultimately I want to play in the midfield and I feel I’ve built a good platform to do that this year,” he said.

“Pinch-hitting through the middle at times this year I’ve been able to have an impact which has been pleasing, so the focus now is to improve my fitness and get to a stage where I can stay on ball for longer periods.

“What that looks like next year, whether it’s 60-40 forward or getting close to 50-50, I’m not sure yet.

“But I can’t wait to get back to work and continually add layers to my game.”