Adelaide utility Luke Pedlar says it is a ‘privilege’ to be back in the south-east with his Crows teammates as they prepare for the 2024 season. 

The squad travelled to Robe on Monday for a three-day preseason trip, where they underwent a range of team-building activities and engaged with the local community. 

Pedlar, who hails from nearby town Kingston, took the trip as an opportunity to show his interstate teammates why the south-east coast is so special to him. 

Speaking to the media in Robe on Tuesday, Pedlar said the getaway has been a welcome change from the pre-season program. 

“It’s always good (to get a change of scenery), pre-season can be gruelling at times and to come down here was something Daws (Jordan Dawson) was very keen for us to do,” Pedlar said. 

“I’ve got Mum and Dad down here and was able to go past their place on the way through, I've been showing my teammates around the area that means a lot to me and the weather has turned it on for us as well. 

“Daws is very proud of his home town of Robe, and I’m very proud of Kingston as well, so to have the boys come down and see it for themselves, it’s a privilege. 

“To be able to spend this time together and bond as a group, it will only make us a stronger team come the end of the year.” 

Adelaide’s pre-season has ramped up since the players returned from their Christmas break in early January. 

Pedlar said this year’s program has been a “step-up” from what he has previously experienced. 

“Everything is shaping up very well at the moment, last year I got to do the entire pre-season which put me in great stead, and I haven’t missed a session so far this year as well,” Pedlar said. 

“This pre-season has been a bit more compressed and bit harder than previous ones, the consensus among the boys is that it’s been a bit of a step-up. 

“Everything is at such a high intensity, everyone is really driving the standards and hopefully it sets us up for a really strong season.” 

Having put in the work over the summer months, Pedlar said he was confident that would translate into continued improvement on the field in 2024. 

“Last year was a bit of a breakout season, but there is still a lot more to my game that I want to improve,” Pedlar said. 

“It was good to just play and get some continuity at AFL level last year, and now it is refining a few deficiencies which I will work on through the pre-season. 

“The main thing is just getting as fit as I can and being right for Round One to put my hand up for selection.”