HE doesn't have the blistering speed of Jason Johannisen, nor the elite kicking skills of Matthew Suckling. But the Western Bulldogs' decision to recruit Jed Adcock is looking more inspired by the day.
With injuries and suspension savaging the Dogs' backline this season, the former Brisbane Lions' skipper's experience and hard-nosed approach has been a welcome addition at a difficult time.
"I've had to come in and learn a whole new system and that's taken time to understand the game plan, so I've been finding my feet the past few weeks," Adcock told AFL.com.au.
"I've felt more and more comfortable in the system and myself."
Dogs coach Luke Beveridge is delighted with the contribution the 211-game veteran has made since his elevation off the rookie list, Adcock helping to fill the void left by injuries to key playmakers Robert Murphy, Johannisen and Suckling.
"Jed's been really solid for us and his experience has really helped," Beveridge said of Adcock, who was selected with pick 46 in the 2016 NAB AFL rookie draft.
"He's learning as the weeks go by to play with new teammates.
"I think he's enjoying it, and we need him more than ever to play his very best."
When Adcock arrived in Brisbane from country Victoria back in 2004, the Lions had just completed a hat trick of premierships that were largely off the back of a star-studded midfield.
Brownlow medalists Michael Voss, Simon Black and Jason Akermanis – along with Nigel Lappin and Luke Power – formed an imposing combination.
While hesitant to compare that brilliant on-ball brigade with the Dogs' current midfield, Adcock does acknowledge Marcus Bontempelli, Tom Liberatore, Mitch Wallis, Luke Dahlhaus and company share some important attributes with the 'fab five'.
"They're a pretty good midfield, but it's hard to say whether they're up to Voss, Black, Akermanis, Lappin and Power at the moment, "he said.
"(We) probably play a little different, and there's probably a bit more speed in our midfield than Brisbane had back in its premiership years.
"The main asset is both teams have the ability to win the ball in tight and use it outside with their hands.
"That ability to get the ball from the inside to space with great handballs and then link from the midfield to the forward line is really good."
While the football world has hailed the Bulldogs for their capacity to be a flag contender with the AFL's fifth-youngest list, Adcock believes age shouldn't inhibit success.
He points to Greater Western Sydney – the Dogs' much-anticipated opponents this Sunday – as another compelling example.
"I think we're quite a mature team," Adcock said.
"I know we've got some young players, (but) the maturity and the way they're playing the game at the moment is such a high standard.
"You start to understand where everyone is going to be, the expectation on each other, each player's capabilities, and it's really starting to take shape now.
"You can say the same about the Giants as well (because) they've played 50 to 100 games together and are playing at such a high standard."
While his playing days appeared over after leaving the Gabba, a second chance at Whitten Oval has reinvigorated the 30-year-old, and he's hoping there's "a couple of more years to go" before he hangs up the boots.
However, the proud student of the game does have an eye on the future, and a coaching course under his belt.
"I like the thinking side of the game, so hopefully (coaching) is a path I can go down when my footy career comes to an end," Adcock said.
"I'm doing a bit of part-time coaching in the TAC Cup with the Western Jets.
"It's passing on my experiences to the young guys and helping them out wherever I can.
"There's a bit going on, but hopefully it doesn't mean I'm retiring any time soon."
