Adelaide recruit Billy Frampton expects tough competition for places after securing cross-town switch from Port Adelaide
Adelaide recruit Billy Frampton says a fellow Crows tall will provide stiff competition for game-time, as he bids for more AFL action following his cross-town switch from Port Adelaide.
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Billy Frampton is expecting stiff competition from fellow tall Elliott Himmelberg as he bids to nail down more AFL game-time following his cross-town switch to Adelaide.
The 22-year-old would begin pre-season training alongside the Crows’ youngsters on Wednesday, a month after sealing his move from rival Port Adelaide.
Frampton impressed for the Magpies in the SANFL this past campaign, despite managing just three AFL matches in five years at Alberton.
But he said edging out the likes of Himmelberg to secure a hotly-contested berth as a forward/ruck at senior level would be no easy feat.
“I’d imagine we’re in that same sort of role,” Frampton told SEN on Wednesday morning.
“I guess it’ll be that key forward/ruck role we’re probably both looking at.
“You need to be doing both these days as a big fella.
“I’ll definitely be doing both and trying to help out as much as I can in the ruck and then hopefully be effective up forward.
“I guess we’ll just figure it out as we go in the pre-season.
“But the opportunity is there for me to grab a spot if I’m training and doing everything right.”
Frampton, who had signed a three-year deal with the Crows, opted to start training a week earlier than the rest of the senior list as he aims to make a positive early impression.
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The West Australian was already familiar with the approach of new Adelaide coach Matthew Nicks, having worked with him for four years at Port.
“He’s a really relationship driven person and he’s all about connecting to the team,” said Frampton of Nicks, a former Power assistant.
“That’s his first priority, which is really positive as a player.
“I actually didn’t know he was going to get the gig at the Crows.
“I think he got announced the day I got traded, so I didn’t really know who was going to be coaching at the time.
“It worked out pretty well for me in the end.”
The 200cm talent, who was traded in return for a future fourth-round draft selection, planned to remain living with former Port teammate Peter Ladhams, despite the pair now being foes.
Frampton said there was an air of optimism at West Lakes, as Adelaide aimed to return to finals football following a two-year absence.
“They seem very confident,” said Frampton, who grew up as a Crows fan thanks to his SA-raised father.
“There was definitely a lot of media play about the players leaving and things like that.
“But it’s definitely a fresh look for the club (and) a fresh vibe with a new coach.
“It’s really positive and things can turn pretty quickly in footy these days.”