Ex-Magpie set to soar in AFL

CENTRAL Murray AFL recruit Josh Jenkins believes he’s set for a big year off the back of the best season of his career in 2015.

Speaking to The Guardian in the lead up to the first round of the 2016 AFL season, the 27-year-old forward said it was going to be a big year for both him and his club, the Adelaide Crows.

“I feel like I’ve put together two or three really good seasons in a row and improved each year, so the aim this year will be to hopefully continue to build on that and play an important role within the team,” Jenkins said.

The former Tyntynder and Lake Boga ruckman will kick off his 2016 season this Saturday night when the Crows play North Melbourne at Etihad Stadium.

Expectations have grown for Jenkins after he racked up career best statistics last year, scoring 46 goals playing in the same forward line as marquee forwards Taylor Walker and Eddie Betts.

Jenkins also played in his first ever finals series, with the Crows reaching the semi-final before bowing out to premiers Hawthorn.

He said that was a great result, both for himself personally and for the club, after experiencing the tragedy of losing coach Phil Walsh — who was allegedly murdered by his son — midway through the season.

“From the team’s perspective, the opportunity to play finals in a difficult year last year was a great reward because we really galvanised as a group after the loss of our coach,” Jenkins said.

“Hopefully we can go a couple of steps further this year, but you’re only as good as your next game and I’m really excited to play a real game this Saturday.”

Now the side has a new coach in former West Coast player and assistant coach Don Pyke, and Jenkins said he was proving to be a good mentor.

“He’s a really good football person, as most AFL coaches are,” he said.

“He’s fairly reserved, he doesn’t rant and rave at all, but he’s very methodical and he teaches things — he really likes to stand in front of the group in meetings and show vision from trainings and games and really explain what he wants from the guys.

“I think everyone’s bought into what he’s brought into the club, but at the same time we haven’t had to start from scratch. Last year we had a really good year, so it’s just about trying to tweak some things and improve in the areas that we need to.”

Already a club favourite in Adelaide, Jenkins is starting to receive attention from the rest of the league.

Now out of contract, several Melbourne-based clubs courted the former basketballer throughout the pre-season — with footy experts tipping the power forward to attract a $500,000-a-year salary.

“Hopefully my future lies with the club in the long term,” Jenkins reassured Crows fans.

The 2016 AFL season kicks off tonight when Richmond play Carlton at the MCG.

For more local AFL stories, check out Thursday’s Guardian (March 24).