FORMER Warrack Eagle Kyle Cheney believes his ‘no-fuss’ football attitude will hold him in good stead at his third AFL club, Adelaide.
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Cheney, 25, was traded to the Crows from Hawthorn alongside former Hawks team-mate Luke Lowden in the dying minutes of October’s AFL trade period.
‘‘I toured the footy club prior to the trade, but as you are probably aware the trade went through very late,’’ he said.
‘‘Luke and I were in LA together sitting anxiously by the phone watching trade week. We were starting to get a bit nervous, but luckily enough it went through.’’
The Wimmera export said he was enjoying working under first-year Crows coach Phil Walsh.
Cheney said his competitive instinct would be one of his biggest assets.
‘‘Phil’s big on team-first and no-fuss footy and that’s what I think I can bring to the table,’’ he said.
‘‘I’m not the most skilful player out there, but I’ll have a crack and put my head down and do whatever it takes for the team to get over the line.’’
The mid-sized defender has struggled to nail down a regular senior berth in his seven years in the AFL system.
Cheney made his AFL debut for Melbourne in 2009 after being drafted with pick 53 in the 2007 AFL National Draft.
He played 14 games for the Demons before being traded to Hawthorn, where he played 27 matches across the past four seasons.
Cheney said he was confident he could succeed at the Crows, who are in the midst of pre-season training.
‘‘I’ve spent time at the Demons and at Hawthorn but really feel like Adelaide is the place for me to stand up and play a role for the team,’’ he said.
‘‘From day dot the intensity has been right up there.
‘‘We’re working very, very hard on the track.’’
Cheney said joining the Crows alongside Lowden had made the transition easier.
He said he hoped to work alongside fellow Crows defenders Daniel Talia and Kyle Hartigan to stamp his claim on the third tall defender role.
‘‘I think that’s where I’m best suited,’’ he said.
‘‘But again it’s up to Phil and the coaching staff to give me a role.
‘‘I’ll put my hand up and play wherever he thinks is best for the team.’’
The Crows will start their 2015 campaign on April 5 against North Melbourne.
Cheney will have to wait until round 12 to face his old side Hawthorn.
