BEN RUTTEN'S decision to play on for at least one more season at Adelaide is music to the ears of emerging defender Luke Brown.

A veteran of 211 games, Rutten is by far the most experienced player in defence at West Lakes after Michael Doughty retired last season.

When he re-signed with the club until the end of 2014, Rutten looked back on his developing years and reflected on how lucky he was to be surrounded at the time by the likes of Tyson Edwards, Andrew McLeod, Nathan Bassett and Graham Johncock.

Brown, Rory Laird, Daniel Talia and Kyle Hartigan won't be gifted that same opportunity and Rutten admitted he felt a responsibility to prepare his teammates for when he followed Doughty into retirement.

Brown told AFL.com.au that Rutten had become his biggest on-field mentor.

"He's the main communicator in the backline, he tells us where he wants us to go and tries to get us communicating as well – it's been a really good learning experience," Brown said.

"I'm not the loudest out there, I try to say more through my actions.

"I've been trying to develop that side of my game and so have young players like Rory Laird, so it's been great to have 'Truck' demand that of us.

"He gives us a lot of confidence to play our role, so to have him around for another year will build our confidence up even more."

The biggest tip Brown said he'd received from Rutten related to the lead-up to games during the week.

The 30-year-old's preparation has been a huge factor in him turning back the clock to play all but one game this season.

It's clearly rubbing off on Brown.

"He gives the best advice, like Darren Milburn, and helps us out pre-game and even during the week – little hints and tips," he said.

"The main thing he says is to just make sure you've done everything before the game so you go into the game with no worries.

"He just says that as long as you do all your preparation and know what's going on before the game, then you should have no worries once the game actually starts."

Brown's development has helped brighten what has otherwise been a fairly dark season for the Crows.

The 20-year-old has averaged 13 disposals and four marks per game in 2013 and has looked increasingly comfortable at the elite level.

As his confidence increased, Brown says he will start to look at other areas of his game that needed improvement.

"Early on I was focusing on defence a lot more, just about locking down my role and wasn't really attacking as much as I should have," he said.

"There are times to move off your opponent and help out in offence.

"Everyone can always improve on every area, but that's something I'll look to do now that I'm finding a bit more of the ball."

Harry Thring is a reporter for AFL Media. Follow him on Twitter: @AFL_Harry