ADELAIDE is simulating a game every second day and its players are running up to 40km a week in order to combat the interchange cap next year.
 
The club was criticised in 2013 for placing too much emphasis on strength training in the summer leading up to round one.
 
The fitness level of the players was continually questioned, despite assurances from the coaching staff they were running more than ever on the training track.
 
Season 2014 will be the first time interchange rotations will be capped at 120 a game.
 
As the second highest user of the interchange bench this year, the cap is expected to test the Crows more than most other clubs.
 
But coach Brenton Sanderson said a gruelling running program combining high intensity with shear volume would ensure his side adapted well.
 
"At the moment we're running above 40km a week, we're averaging an AFL game every second day, so we're running about 14 to 15km every Monday, Wednesday, Friday," Sanderson said.
 
"Lots of high intensity running [too], you'll see the guys look probably a little bit leaner than this time last year.
 
"The strength focus is probably now more of a running focus but that's the way the game's heading with the interchange cap.
 
"We're certainly getting the miles into their legs and we'll certainly be really prepared for the start of the 2014 season."
 
Speaking at the club's official membership launch at Adelaide Oval on Saturday morning, Sanderson also said his side felt no need to spend big on overseas camps.
 
He described altitude training as pointless and was confident expensive trips weren't needed to promote team bonding, claiming his players "bond really well here at home".
 
Recruit James Podsiadly shares his coach's view that West Lakes has everything the side needs.
 
As the only player on Adelaide's list to have tasted the ultimate success, Podsiadly told the playing group it too had what it took to win an AFL flag.
 
Captain Nathan van Berlo has been impressed by Podsiadly and fellow recruit Eddie Betts' attitude since arriving at the club in October's exchange period.
 
While praising the condition of Matthew Jaensch and Matthew Wright, the skipper said Betts and Podsiadly had slotted straight into the club's setup and already begun sharing their expertise and ideas.
 
"You wouldn't know that they're new to the footy club to be honest and I think that speaks volumes for their character," van Berlo said.
 
"Eddie's already talking about certain styles of game-plan and the way he plays, the way Carlton did things and James is no different as well.
 
"It's really refreshing for the playing group to hear some new ideas and they've bought right in straight away to what we're about."