Adelaide utility Luke Nankervis is eyeing a more permanent move to defence this coming season, as he prepares for his fifth campaign with the Crows.
After initially being drafted as a forward, he made his AFL debut in 2023 as a defender, before moving through the wing in 2025.
Speaking to AFC Media, Nankervis said after spending time in all three positions, his strengths are best suited to the dashing defender role.
“Last year I started there and then ended up on the wing, but I think it will be more half-back this year, which is something I’m excited for,” Nankervis said.
“I’ve been doing a lot of off-field stuff on my mental performance, and then also doing a lot in the gym, running, and working with coaches, so I found it’s given me the best opportunity to attack this pre-season.
“Hopefully it sets me up for this year.”
Renowned for his versatility, Nankervis’ ability to cover the ground has been a strength of his game.
And the focus over the summer has been on pairing that endurance with added size and durability.
“I have always had (good) running capacity since I was young, and you can always improve that,” Nankervis said.
“But it’s been more about putting on some size and then being able to run with that weight as well, so I think I’ve done that and my body has handled it a lot better.”
Nankervis and his teammates have had a change to their pre-season programs this summer, with new GM of High Performance Ian McKeown joining the Club.
McKeown succeeded Darren Burgess who departed the Crows to join Italian Serie A club Juventus as Director of Performance.
Nankervis said he had enjoyed working with McKeown and had been able to produce a so-far uninterrupted pre-season.
“I found this pre-season pretty tough, I am heading into my fifth year, it’s gone very quickly,” Nankervis said.
“We’re working under Mackers now with Burgo gone, and he’s come in and fitted in really well and put us in new programs, so I’ve really enjoyed that side of things.
“I feel like I’ve got myself in a really good spot with my weight and how my body feels with all my running.
“As the years have gone on, you learn a lot about your body and mature in that way.”
