IN A BREAK from tradition, Adelaide's newest recruits will train away from the main group in the lead-up to Christmas.

The club’s five draftees – Phil Davis, Shaun McKernan, Rory Sloane, Tom Lee and Will Young – arrived at West Lakes on Monday, but remained inside with cycling guru Charlie Walsh while the balance of the squad trained on Max Basheer Reserve.

In years gone by, coach Neil Craig has placed heavy demands on his younger players in a bid to fast-track their adjustment to the elite level, but a more subtle approach has been favoured this pre-season.

Davis, McKernan, Sloane, Lee, Young and any rookies that join the club on December 16 will all be eased into the main training sessions.

Lee, who was selected by the Crows at No. 60 in Saturday’s NAB AFL Draft, said he was looking forward to the challenge of his first AFL pre-season.

"I did a [bike] session just then, which was apparently a ‘light’ one," he said with a laugh.

"It was pretty tough, so there is a big summer ahead for sure."

The West Australian forward, who took to the media with aplomb on Monday, said being a Crows was still in its surreal stages.

"I was standing next to Simon Goodwin having a drink of water and I thought, 'How did I get here?'" he said.

"It’s just daunting. I didn’t see myself being here a year ago."

Adelaide's first pick of 2007, Patrick Dangerfield, drove to the city on Saturday after finishing his year 12 exams and was on hand to welcome the new recruits to West Lakes.

Dangerfield played two games last season despite living in Victoria and will now reside in South Australia, training with the club on a full-time basis.