Adelaide defender James Borlase says the influence of a mindset coach has played a pivotal role in helping him produce his most consistent stretch of footy so far.

Borlase hasn’t missed a game since earning a recall for the Round Eight Showdown and again stood tall in the Crows backline during their win against Melbourne on Saturday.

The backman admitted to being down in confidence after finding himself on the fringe and in-and-out of the team since making his debut in 2023.

He said a shift in mindset had helped him rediscover his form and settle into a more reliable role in Adelaide’s back six.

“I've been working really hard on my mindset, so I have a mindset coach, and I think that's really helped me take my game to the next level,” Borlase said.

“I think just because I played so much SANFL footy, and being dropped a number of times, it hurt my confidence.

 “Now just having that belief that I'm good enough to play at the level has held me in good stead, and hopefully it’s only up from here.”

Borlase also went to work on his defensive craft, which included spending time trawling through vision with backline coach Jack Hombsch and learning by training on Crows key forwards Taylor Walker, Darcy Fogarty and Riley Thilthorpe.

“I know that’s (getting omitted) what happens in the AFL, we have four key backs who are ready to play at the level, so it's really tight for spots,” Borlase said.

“But I knew if I went back to the SANFL and just played the way I wanted to, I'd get back in eventually.

“Our backs coach, Jack Hombsch, has helped a lot, I watch a lot of vision with him, and then I feel like I've learned a lot from playing on Filthy, Fog and Tex training, I'll shout them out.

“If I can play on them, I feel like I can play on just about anyone, so credit to them, really.”

In the Crows’ gritty 17-point win against the Demons at Adelaide Oval, Borlase finished with 15 disposals, eight intercepts, five contested possessions and nine marks, but it was his ability to pressure his Demons opponents and provide support for his teammates that stood out the most.

“It was a great win in front of the home crowd, and I'm happy with another solid game,” Borlase said.

“It was a bit of a basketball game, up-and-back for a bit there, but I think our ability to stay composed and find the mark when the ball's going up and back was really well done and it helped take the sting out of the game a little bit.

“Having the likes of Wayne Milera and Max Michalanney down there, who are really composed and good ball users, also helped.

“Melbourne is a quality outfit, so to get the win at home helps us build really nicely for the rest of the season.”

Nicks, meanwhile, praised Borlase’s efforts post-game, saying he was impressed with the maturity and composure the 23-year-old was bringing to the team.

“I thought James (Borlase) tonight, especially early, just his intercept game continues to grow and his belief to come off and help teammates,” Nicks said.

Despite this, Borlase is refusing to take his spot in the team for granted and is keen to further improve as the Crows’ form continues to build.

“I am just taking it week-by-week, to be completely honest,” Borlase said.

“I've learned to not try and look ahead too far, because then you sort of get sidetracked a bit from what your goals are, so I am just building nicely for the rest of the season.”

The Crows will be hoping to secure a fourth-straight win when it faces Port Adelaide in Showdown 60 at Adelaide Oval next Saturday night.

The match will be the Power’s ‘home’ game and Borlase was looking forward to taking on the Crows' crosstown rivals again.

“The one we played earlier this year was my first ever Showdown, so another win would be epic,” Borlase said.

“For us, it’s about being ruthless, hard to play against, and if you keep nailing that, and trusting the process, we’ll be in good stead.”