Shades of Jordan Dawson in Adelaide Crows young gun Dan Curtin as Round 1 debut firms

Adelaide’s defence has been the biggest point of intrigue throughout pre-season and now a four-game Crow has bolted into the mix to be part of Matthew Nicks’ round 1 backline.

Adelaide’s top draft pick is stepping up his push for round 1 selection after another promising showing on Friday.

Dan Curtin’s decision-making and neat kicking stood out during a match simulation at West Lakes, in what was his second full session back from knee soreness.

The 18-year-old defender, who sat out main drills for a fortnight before this week, would now turn his attention to the club’s internal trial on February 16.

On Friday, Curtin played for both teams, which were mixed throughout the game and did not always resemble a probables versus others.

He started in what appeared to be the Bs before becoming one of several players to switch sides.

Showing shades of a younger Jordan Dawson, who is also left-footed, Curtin’s composure with the ball and ability to read the play are obvious strengths.

Dan Curtin and Patrick Parnell. Picture: Roy VanDerVegt

Adelaide selected Curtin with at No. 8 on draft night after trading up in a pick swap with GWS.

Like Dawson, he projects to be a defender early in his career before becoming a midfielder.

The battle for spots in the Crows’ round 1 backline remains intriguing.

Some combination of lockdown defender Jordon Butts, swingman Elliott Himmelberg, Irishman Mark Keane, 17-gamer Josh Worrell look likeliest to fill the key posts, alongside second-year talent Max Michalanney.

Luke Nankervis, who debuted in round 19 and played the next three games, again showed his wares at halfback, lining up for the As for most of the game.

The 20-year-old got his opportunity with Wayne Milera (hamstring) and Paddy Parnell (shoulder) sidelined.

Draftee Oscar Ryan also had some nice moments at halfback.

The Murray Bushrangers product’s one-on-one defending has impressed teammates this summer.

Karl Gallagher has made an impression at the Crows in the off-season. Picture: Roy Van Der Vegt

Also catching the eye in defence was Irishman Karl Gallagher.

Gallagher, a Gaelic footballer who signed as a category B rookie last month, won a holding the ball free kick, stood up in a Ned McHenry tackle before kicking to a teammate and showcased his burst away from tacklers.

Gold Coast recruit Chris Burgess pushed his claims with the A side – but in attack, in the absence of Darcy Fogarty (soreness) – and took a handful of nice marks up the field.

Key forward Riley Thilthorpe spent longer than usual in the ruck and played well.

Hard nuts Luke Pedlar and Sam Berry started with the Bs before switching to the As.

It would be a shock if Pedlar was left out of Adelaide’s team to face Gold Coast in round 1 given his promise last season and the dynamism he could provide.

Berry has been strong during match simulation this summer, mostly for B sides, but his kicking is a weakness.