Moving interstate and adapting to life as a professional footballer wasn’t the biggest challenge Kieran Strachan faced when drafted by the Crows – it was his position.

Having played the majority of his career as a ruck, Strachan has started the SANFL season as a forward.

The 23-year-old has been working inside the forward 50 throughout the year, and on Saturday, it paid off.

Strachan kicked three goals and took eight marks in Adelaide’s 55-point SANFL win over Central District.

“I haven’t played a lot forward before,” Strachan said.

“I’ve been working hard with ‘Wrighty’ (forwards development coach Matthew Wright) and Ben Hart.

“It was reward for effort, I have put a lot of work in to learn the craft and I was able to show that.”

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The move up forward was born of necessity, with the Crows list packed with ruckman.

Although the shift was jarring to begin with, Strachan has embraced his new role and skillset.

“I think being new and still being raw, the coaches want to develop me in a new position,” Strachan said.

“I’m seeing it as an opportunity this year with all of the talls that we do have.

“It will pay off down the track, having that extra position I can play – especially being a ruck/forward, it will be beneficial long term.”

Strachan praised all his fellow forwards for their impact on his development, Josh Jenkins in particular.

“It was good to have ‘JJ’ back for a couple of weeks there,” Strachan said.

“He set me up in good positions so I had space.

“They are all really good at looking after us younger ones, it’s a real team effort.”

The SANFL side has a week off due to a split round and will return against Sturt on Saturday, June 29.