AFL: Adelaide Crows young gun Luke Pedlar hoping to improve on breakout 2023 season

Fresh off a contract extension and a standout campaign, Crows hard nut Luke Pedlar discusses his breakout 2023 and eyes an improved 2024.

Adelaide hard nut Luke Pedlar is determined to improve on his breakout 2023 campaign as he enjoys an injury-free pre-season.

Pedlar played five games over his first two years on the Crows’ list, having battled hip and groin issues, then missed just two matches last season.

The forward/midfielder averaged 1.1 goals and was nominated for the league’s Rising Star Award.

It came after completing almost all of the 2022/23 pre-season, which he had backed up this summer by not missing a session so far.

The 21-year-old said he was not satisfied with his form last year, wanting to become fitter and cleaner around the ball while not losing any of his power.

“It was a breakout season, but there is still a lot more to my game that I want to improve,” Pedlar said.

“It was good to just play and get some continuity at AFL level and now it is about refining a few deficiencies that I will work on through the pre-season.

Luke Pedlar on the Crows’ camp in Robe. Picture: Harrison Mielke/AFC

“Fitness was one – I could never really get fit enough to play at the level for four quarters (until last year).

“I’d probably play a quarter here and show glimpses.”

Pedlar, who re-signed last month until the end of 2026, said the Crows’ recruits had impressed him this pre-season.

He expected the club’s top draft pick, West Australian defender Dan Curtin, to be in contention to play in round 1 if he was fit.

“He’s a great stature and a very smooth mover for his size,” Pedlar said.

“I’m pretty excited by what he can do.

“But there’s a fair bit to play out.”

Pedlar was speaking from familiar territory on Tuesday as the Crows spent the day in Robe in South Australia’s southeast.

Pedlar in action last season. Picture: Will Russell/AFL Photos via Getty Images

Players undertook team-building activities and spent time with the community.

Robe is captain Jordan Dawson’s hometown, while Pedlar hails from nearby Kingston.

Pedlar said it was great to return to the area, where his parents still lived.

“We whizzed past on the way through and said ‘G’day’ to them, showed Bez (Sam Berry) where I’m from and the weather’s turned it on as well, so I’ve really enjoyed it,” he said.

Pedlar said he loved Robe and Kingston, before mentioning one advantage of his hometown.

“It’s a bit quieter in Kingston, you can get a feed and not wait two hours, whereas here in summer it’s a bit different,” he said.

Adelaide is training in Robe on Wednesday.

Originally published as AFL: Adelaide Crows young gun Luke Pedlar hoping to improve on breakout 2023 season