ADELAIDE must develop a harder edge if it is to break its 18-year premiership drought, captain Taylor Walker says.

The Crows competed strongly this year to finish fifth on the ladder with a 16-6 record, but got blown out of the water by a physical Sydney midfield in week two of the finals at the SCG. 

"We need to be a little bit tougher in the contest, and that will start as of today," Walker said.

"There were periods through games that we weren't at our best, so we need to maintain it for longer periods of time. 

"There's some things you need to fine-tune more so than others, so we'll talk about that today and get on the way to getting better and trying to achieve what we want next year."

The entire Crows squad returned to pre-season training at Football Park on Monday.

Spots in the midfield are up for grabs following Jarryd Lyons' move to Gold Coast and the Crows' failure to secure Carlton star Bryce Gibbs during the NAB AFL Trade Period. 

Riley Knight, Wayne Milera and Cam Ellis-Yolmen headline the list of contenders eager to get their chance, while Curtly Hampton, Harrison Wigg and first-round draft pick Jordan Gallucci are all looking to put their hand up for round one.

"There's opportunities up for grabs and it will be interesting to see who will want to take them," Walker said.

"Every single player, I think (is in the running). 

"You come in as a first-year (player), I don't put any limits on those guys either. " 

Versatility is also going to be a key for anyone wanting to secure a spot in the side. 

"We'll educate every single player to play different positions," Walker said.

"I look at a Riley Knight.

"If he is to come into our team, he has to play inside midfield, outside, go forward.

"If you can play different positions it adds a big string to your bow."

Walker is into his third week of training after returning earlier than required a fortnight ago with the club's young players.

"I just wanted to come back and get five weeks in before Christmas," Walker said.

"I like to keep an eye on the young guys, see how they're going, see what sort of puppy fat they've got on."

Forwards Josh Jenkins, Tom Lynch and Mitch McGovern all trained away from the main group.

Jenkins and Lynch are on modified training programs until the Christmas break after having foot and knee surgery respectively. 

Third-year forward McGovern was on light duties after a big couple of weeks.