Young Adelaide defender James Borlase has described his fledgling AFL experience as “everything I thought (it would be) and more”.

The 18-year-old, who joined the Crows via the Next Generation Academy at the end of 2020, made his Crows SANFL debut against South Adelaide in Round One earlier this month.

Borlase told The Optus Crows Show he trained in a key-defender role throughout pre-season.

“They’ve asked me to play a lockdown key defender role who can also roll off and take a few intercept marks,” Borlase said.

“That’s probably my weapon (and) what I try to focus on.

“I’ve played on Tex a lot and learned so much off him, and then in the backline there is (Brodie) Smith, Bull (Jake Kelly) and Doods (Tom Doedee).

“They all give out great advice and have helped me develop.”

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The Crows No.35 also has another two mentors away from the Club, his parents - Port Adelaide legend Darryl Borlase and former Australian netballer Jenny Borlase (nee Kennett).

“Dad has been really good for me, he always sits with me (after) and talks about the game,” Borlase said.

“He gives me constructive feedback, how I can get better or what I did well.

“Also Mum, who played at a high level for netball, she’s been really important in recovery and preparation, which gives me the best opportunity to play well.”

Also on The Optus Crows Show this week, AFLW starlet Teah Charlton talks about her first season, Sam Jacobs chats with Bernie Vince and Brodie Smith puts Harry Schoenberg in the hot seat.

The Optus Crows Show airs on Channel 7 in Adelaide on Sunday at 3pm, before a delayed telecast of the Crows clash with North Melbourne.

Interstate fans can catch the full episode on afc.com.au shortly after.