Experienced midfielder Adam Cooney has praised the efforts of the club’s young brigade following Friday night’s NAB Challenge victory over Melbourne.

Speaking with Triple M radio on Saturday morning, Cooney admitted the intensity around the contest set up the side for ‘a good game.’

“It’s good for the morale of the group,” Cooney said.

“It was a young and inexperienced team so after last week, where our efforts probably weren’t good enough, it was good that the guys really had a crack last night.

“I thought we were a bit harder in the contest early and that set us up for a good game.”

The 29-year-old also revealed his recovery methods following a game were as important as ever.

“The next morning you’re usually okay, but it’s the 48 hours after you start to get a little bit stiff and sore. So it’s just about recovery and jumping in the ice baths or going down to the beach. We’ve got three days off now which will help too.” Cooney said.

“Probably back in 2011/2012 where I was struggling with injury and when I was sort of thinking about retirement and then had some treatment and I actually started to play some reasonable footy in 2013 again so I’m just grateful to still be playing and to have got my body right.  I’m just grateful and happy I’m still able to contribute to the team.”

"And changing teams has freshened me up mentally as well. I’m feeling really positive about the year ahead.

The affable midfielder jokingly compared his running abilities with current teammate Lauchlan Dalgleish after the youngster ran the length of the field to secure an impressive goal in last night’s clash. 

“As the years catch up to you, I guess I’ve probably lost a little bit of (running) pace but it is my 12th year in football now and I’ve still got a little bit of pace left,” Cooney said. 

“You’ve got to use your footy smarts a little bit more as you get older I guess. I’m certainly not as quick as young Lauchy Dalgleish I think but I’ve still got a bit of pace left.