‘I was pretty dirty’: Forward Josh Jenkins discusses his axing from Adelaide Crows

Adelaide forward Josh Jenkins has admitted he was ‘pretty dirty’ about being dropped from the Crows AFL side last week and reveals his robust discussion with coach Don Pyke.

Adelaide player Josh Jenkins in the ruck against South Adelaide in the SANFL. Picture: AAP Image/ Morgan Sette

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Adelaide forward Josh Jenkins has admitted he was “pretty dirty” about being axed from the Crows’ AFL side last week.

The Crows’ 2018 leading goalkicker revealed he had a “robust discussion” with Crows coach Don Pyke after learning he would be sent to Noarlunga to play with Adelaide’s SANFL side.

“I got the phone call from Don and clearly it wasn’t the news I was after,” Jenkins said.

Adelaide forward Josh Jenkins battles with South Adelaide players Benjamin Haren and Tyson Brown in the SANFL match at Noarlunga Oval on Saturday. Picture: AAP Image/ Morgan Sette

“We had a robust discussion, that’s true. I was pretty strong in my thoughts and what I thought I can offer the team but ultimately, it’s his and the match committee’s decision.

“I was pretty dirty for a while but I had to take my medicine and go back and play at Noarlunga (for the Crows in the SANFL) on Saturday afternoon and that’s what I did.”

Jenkins’ reaction came despite his own admission last week that it was “fool’s gold” to be believe his spot was safe after the Crows’ capitulation to the previously winless Kangaroos.

He revealed Pyke told him his demotion was the result of “consistency of performance”.

“He’s (Pyke) been happy with certain patches of my game and other periods of my game he hasn’t been happy enough (with),” Jenkins told SEN SA Breakfast.

“The form of the team suggests that some changes needed to be made.

“That’s what I was most upset about is. I felt like I would, as a member of the leadership group, would have loved the opportunity to turn my form around alongside the team.

Adelaide player Josh Jenkins in the ruck. Picture: AAP Image/ Morgan Sette

“But as I said, that wasn’t a view shared by the match committee.

“I took four hours but that’s the beauty of having a young baby these days, I was able to throw myself into her needs and sort of forget about footy quickly.”

Jenkins won praise from SANFL coach Heath Younie for his “fantastic attitude” in the drawn match against South Adelaide despite finishing with 11 possessions and just two behinds in tricky windy conditions.

“The only opportunities where I felt really in the game was when I got to go into the ruck, so perhaps I should have gone in there a bit more.

“Forwards at both ends of the ground really struggled on the day. It was a bit of a midfielder’s day out.

“Personally, certainly I’ve had bigger days. I created a few goals early but there were a couple of other guys who set the world alight and hopefully they can get their chance.”

Jenkins admitted it would be an uphill battle to work his way back into the AFL team to take on high-flying season surprise packet St Kilda at Marvel Stadium on Saturday after the Crows trounced Gold Coast by 73 points, with only Wayne Milera set to come out of the side with a shoulder injury.