Teenagers Chayce Jones and Ned McHenry lead Crows’ first 2km time trial for the pre-season
The symbolism was impossible to miss as the Adelaide Crows - led by two up and coming youngsters - set out on their 2km time trial early on Saturday morning.
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You didn’t need to be at the Uni Loop before 7am on Saturday to realise a new dawn is rising at the Adelaide Crows, but the symbolism was impossible to miss.
With the sun poking its head over the gum trees surrounding the ovals and gravel running circuit in the North Adelaide parklands, the players gathered in readiness for the first serious test of their pre-season - a 2km time trial.
Players stood in one group, coaches in another led by new senior coach Matthew Nicks, and backpacks and water bottles were lumped together as the players took a deep breath and started their watches.
This running track has seen it all before of course - Nathan van Berlo owned it for the best part of five years in his time as a Crow - but this is a new group writing its own story on a fresh page.
Nothing like a 7am start for our first pre-season time trial â±ï¸ðŸŽ¥ #weflyasone pic.twitter.com/0gpESK6Yck
— Adelaide Crows (@Adelaide_FC) November 23, 2019
They ran in two groups and 1km in it looked like the old guard was still going to rule with David Mackay - who bucked the veterans’ trend by signing a one-year contract extension at the age of 31 in August - leading the way.
But as they turned for home and swung right into MacKinnon Parade, the new guard began to challenge.
Ned McHenry - a machine who once ran 30km from his home in Geelong to Barwon Heads just for fun - hit out first, but like the Melbourne Cup field knows at Flemington, the home straight is longer than it looks and timing is everything.
Chayce Jones then responded and when he gapped the field he couldn’t be caught, despite McHenry’s best efforts.
So as the Crows began life under Nicks, it was two 19-year-olds taken with Picks 9 and 16 in last year’s national draft who went 1-2.
And just as significantly, it was who came next that further symbolised the fresh start at West Lakes.
Jake Kelly, Reilly O’Brien, Brodie Smith and Wayne Milera rounded out the top six and all should play in a midfield that is desperate for some leg speed and x-factor next season, even if on a wing.
Next was captain Rory Sloane who urged his teammates to “find someone” as they were gasping for air and McHenry, who looks a leader in waiting, was just as vocal with young teammate Lachlan Sholl.
Matt Crouch led the second group home and, impressively, emerging big-man Darcy Fogarty was top-five and out-ran smaller and lighter teammates like Lachlan Murphy and Tyson Stengle as he also stakes his claim for a permanent spot next year.
Taylor Walker, Daniel Talia, Kyle Hartigan and Tom Lynch sat out the run as per their fitness programs and management loads.
Jones played eight games in his debut season last year, but looks noticeably bigger as he goes after more midfield minutes in 2020.
“I’ve tried to put on a bit of size, so it’s nice to keep it (running times) relatively similar to last year while putting on a few kilos,” he said.
“I definitely want to push myself to get in there (the midfield)... when you come in as a first-year player your training loads are a bit lighter, so it’s nice to get stuck straight into full training now.
“No matter if it’s a new coach or old coach, you want to try to put your best foot forward.
“It’s definitely a good feeling and good positive vibes around the club, so it’s very exciting moving forward.”
reece.homfray@news.com.au