Adelaide Captain Jordan Dawson is backing Josh Rachele to add a spark to the Crows’ midfield mix, as his on-ball role looks set to grow.

Rachele has trained predominantly in the centre this pre-season, with the Crows looking to harness his burst and ball use, while still maintaining his threat inside-50.

Speaking at the AFL’s Captains’ Day at Marvel Stadium on Monday, Dawson said Rachele’s speed and creativity would give Adelaide a different look around the contest.

“I think (he’ll play more midfield), all the best teams have that electric kind of small forward that comes in and impacts around the contest,” Dawson said. 

“So between him and Izak Rankine we’ll see how that mix looks.”

The move is part of a broader evolution of the Crows’ on-ball brigade, with the Club looking to add depth to complement its established midfield core.

During Adelaide’s match simulation against Port Adelaide on Friday, forward Riley Thilthorpe was also thrust into the ruck and the midfield late in the match.

Dawson said Thilthorpe could be a threat all over the ground with his athleticism and footy smarts.

“He played a few centre bounces as a mid against Port last week, so you might see him there and that’s exciting,” Dawson said.

“He’s a unique operator… He’s a smart footballer, he hasn’t trained there heaps but he’s got a bit of a licence in there and can show what he can do.”

Adelaide announced on Sunday night that Dawson had been appointed Captain for a fourth consecutive season, reaffirming his standing as one of the Club’s most influential leaders.

It comes after Dawson, 28, claimed Adelaide’s Club Champion award last season, becoming the first Crow to win the award three years in a row.

Adelaide will announce the senior leadership group which will support Dawson in the near future.