Adelaide defender Nick Murray insists the Crows' backline - the talk of the AFL at the minute - had to endure a lean few years, in order to stamp itself as one of the league's best units.
The 24-year-old New South Welshman has slotted back into the vaunted backline of the newly minted ladder-leaders seamlessly, after biding his time in the SANFL, after a knee injury.
That injury curtailed what had been an impressive season for the Murray Bushrangers product, who admits the stint in the reserves was not exactly his first preference.
“I think it shows where this group's at," Murray said. "I would've liked to come straight back in. My last 18-24 months have been pretty stop-start. I haven't had more than a seven-game streak of games played, but that time in the SANFL was really good for me to get some confidence back in my knee.”
Selection integrity and reserves football have been driving forces behind the Crows' emergence as a genuine premiership contender this season, after a slow rebuild into a force under coach Matthew Nicks.
“I think there's a lot of guys that are playing SANFL footy that maybe in previous years would've been playing AFL, and we haven't had that before,” Murray said.
"We've had a fair few years (together) now. A lot of guys like (Josh) Worrell and (Mark) Keane have had to come through the SANFL, learning their trade. The camaraderie they've built down back has been pretty impressive."
Josh Worrell has surged into All-Australian discussions as a key part of the league's number one-ranked defence (per Wheelo Ratings), and Murray glowed in his praise of his teammate.
"The raw talent was always there," Murray said.
"He's fixed up some areas, and the footy he's playing is unbelievable. Sometimes you're out there on the field and he presses and you're like 'he's not gonna get there' but his will, his desire and his competitiveness is super impressive. All the attention he's getting at the moment is well-deserved."
While names like Worrell's have enjoyed time in the spotlight of late, Murray also applauded depth pieces of the unit, such as Hugh Bond, while unpacking the Crows' comeback victory over Hawthorn.
"'Bondy' didn't put a foot wrong. He nullified (Dylan) Moore quite well, after 12 or 13 games as an emergency," he said.
The luxury of the Crows' current ladder position, and two (presumably) soft kills bookending a huge clash with Collingwood next week, means players like the 19-year-old Bond may see more senior football before September, but Murray insists he won't be asking for rest, as he looks to build continuity in his body.
"I think it's massive, with the longer season, to have the luxury to rest a few players. It gives opportunity to guys like Bondy, who are coming through and ready to play. It's a luxury we haven't had in previous years.
"It (the weekend) will be my fourth consecutive game, and I'm aiming to keep building before finals...We're expecting a challenge from the Eagles in the West - they'll want to finish the year strongly."
The newfound maturity of coach and playing group alike has been highlighted after the Crows reeled in a fast-starting Hawks outfit, with a blistering quarter of their own. The Crows piled on six unanswered goals in the second term on Friday night, after a 'calm' quarter-time address from the once-fiery Nicks.
"That was a great game for us heading into finals," Murray said. "The first quarter didn't go our way, but it shows the maturity of the group to stay level-headed at quarter-time - no one was scattered at all, we just took a deep breath and said 'we're okay here'.
"'Nicksy' was levelheaded. He has the full belief of the group and just mentioned a few areas for us to clean up. His calm presence filtered through to us. There would've been times where we'd have come in and sprayed each other after a quarter like that.”
Young second-year backline coach Jack Hombsch also drew Murray's praise for his demeanour and standing amongst the group.
"He's a calm presence. Everyone can connect with him. He has been very good, and will be very good for this group going forward."
Utility Dan Curtin has surged into Rising Star favouritism, with his emergence neatly coinciding with that of his club.
"It's a credit to him, and how professional he is. He got a bit of exposure to senior footy last year, but for him to come in and really make that wing role his this year is super exciting," Murray said.
The Crows can sew up the third minor premiership in their history with an undefeated final three matches of the season, and in so doing, would be favourites for a third flag. Murray has been taken with the buzz around the city, while his side are in such a position.
"The fans here have been really good. Coming from New South Wales, interstate, I didn't realise the presence the Crows have here," he said, while admitting he's getting stopped in the street more than ever before.
