VETERAN AFL recruit James Podsiadly insists he can improve at Adelaide rather than just fill in for injured forward Taylor Walker.
The AFL says the former Geelong forward made his way to West Lakes last month after booting 169 goals for the Cats from 83 games, including the 2011 premiership.
With an exact date for Walker’s return from a knee reconstruction unknown and other tall option Josh Jenkins still recovering from ankle surgery, Podsiadly’s presence will be crucial to the Crows’ forward line for the early stages of the 2014 season.
“Whatever I’ve done over the last couple of years at Geelong, I want to be a better player at Adelaide,” Podsiadly told AFL.com.au
“I’ve got to go against the trend. I know physically and mentally I’m right but just learning the game is where I think I can improve and take my game forward.
“I don’t know what a 32-year-old footballer is supposed to feel like, but from what I’ve been told I don’t feel like that.
“I’m not here to fill spots or fill numbers, I’m hopefully here to make an impact.”
Podsiadly said he was in good physical shape after the training session on Monday morning with Adelaide’s young players.
Coach Brenton Sanderson has previously said he expected the key forward’s workload to be reduced from 2013, after he played 23 games for the Cats this season.
Sanderson predicted Podsiadly could expect to notch up 20 to 25 games during his two-year deal.
But Podsiadly said he was capable of and was preparing himself to play every game next year.
“The club could have a whole heap of injuries and if you’re not prepared to play 25 games after a pre-season you’re almost letting the team down.”
