Jordan Dawson is looking forward to playing host to the competition in Gather Round this weekend, eager to take on the unbeaten Blues.
The Crows will host Carlton at Adelaide Oval in Thursday night's round-opening clash, eager to keep momentum after two wins in a row. The Blues meanwhile, are yet to lose a match after three wins and a draw, sitting in second position on the ladder heading into Round 5.
With all eyes on South Australia this weekend, and the Crows on Thursday night in prime time, Dawson is welcoming the challenge.
“We are a footy-mad state, so we are keen to have everyone here and put on a show,” Dawson said to media on Wednesday.
“We want to win every week but I think we are just excited to be back on the main stage and showcase what we can do as a Club.
“For me, I love playing at Adelaide Oval and especially night games, it should be a cracker.
“They haven't lost for a reason, and we are looking forward to it.”
Dawson, who was appointed as skipper for season 2023, has played all four games so far this season, averaging 23.8 disposals and 3.3 tackles, and is relishing time spent in the midfield in the past weeks.
“Last year, playing half-back was more where I was needed, but I think now, going into the midfield, I've enjoyed it and had it at the back of my mind as well that I might do that in the years to come,” Dawson said.
“I'm loving my time in there and enjoying my footy.
“We know how good their (Carlton's) footy can be and how good our footy can be.
“In the first couple of games we knew exactly what went wrong.
“We were playing good footy but we just let ourselves down at times, to get a couple of wins and to build the confidence and trust in the group, we are really enjoying it.”
The AFL is already hailing Gather Round a success after monster ticket sales, with the league floating the idea of the 2024 iteration being held in either Sydney or Perth.
