WITH luck deserting him in his first two seasons in the AFL, Western Bulldogs key defender Marcus Adams is now determined to make his own.
In a strange case of misfortune, Adams has sustained season-ending Lisfranc fractures in his left foot last year and his right foot in 2016, with the injuries occurring against Sydney on exactly the same part of the SCG.
After returning to full training following Christmas with no mental scars, the 24-year-old hopes a meticulous approach to his recovery will see his luck change and have him ready for round one.
"It's my third year now, so I definitely know what works for me, and I've learnt how to prepare physically," Adams told AFL.com.au.
"I always try and get everything right (preparation wise) and hope that leads to good fortune.
"(The recovery) has taken a little bit longer than expected, so I've just been working with physios to get back to full fitness.
"I know in terms of fitness and physical strength, I'm in pretty good nick, so hopefully I can get one or two JLT matches in, go all right and just put my hand up for round one.
"I've just got to remember to how to get a kick."
Getting a kick while restricting his opponent hasn't been a problem in 21 career games since being taken a mature-aged recruit with pick No.35 in the 2015 NAB AFL Draft.
He's held his own against the gun forwards of the AFL including Eagle Josh Kennedy, Adelaide skipper Taylor Walker and retired Fremantle great Matthew Pavlich.
Adams' knack of taking an intercept mark is exactly what Luke Beveridge demands of his defenders, and his ability to be a strong option in attack also meets with the coach's flexibility mantra.
"I did enjoy playing forward because most of the boys looked after me with some good passes, so it might have made look better than I am," he said.
"Those guys I have played on down back are real spearheads for the opposition and generally well-built guys, so to get on those bigger bodies suits me.
"You know you're not there just to lock down a bloke, you're can set up the play by kickstarting our offence, and really enjoy that role.
"Knowing the coach believes in you makes you believe in yourself."
Adams hunts Sydney superstar Lance Franklin. Picture: Getty Images
While adjusting to the highest level hasn't been a problem for the West Australian, settling in Melbourne has been a different story.
Adams was open to a trade back to Perth at the end of 2016 but he stuck it out and is determined to repay the club for looking after him.
Signing a three-year deal late last year is an indication he is feeling more at home at the Dogs.
"With all the injuries, it would be nice to have family and friends around but the club has been really good to me," he said.
"The physios have been great, 'Bevo' has been good and all boys have been great, so I can't complain about the support I've had.
"Melbourne is a different way of life, but you've got to get used to it as an AFL footballer, and with the League being very Melbourne-centric, that's a good thing as a player.
"(Homesickness) is something I've got to continue working on and deal with but going forward I don't think it will be an issue."
