Andrew McLeod has confessed his desire to return to Adelaide's midfield in the lead-up to the AFL finals, saying he is in his best physical shape for years.

The return of Graham Johncock freed McLeod to roam more widely against Sydney last week, and he spent time in the middle as well as defence in grabbing 20 disposals.

He clearly enjoyed the run, and said he was more than keen to end a sterling season in defence with a spectacular finale in the centre.

"It's been a bit different the fact Graham's spent a bit of time out and I've had to go back there," said McLeod.

"But now he's back, I'm crossing my fingers, hopefully I'll get back in the midfield and up the ground a bit more, that'd be nice instead of playing full back."

McLeod said he enjoyed the time in the defensive part of the ground, the place he had learned his craft, but his willingness to return to the heat of the battle has been strengthened by a season free of the sporadic knee trouble that has dogged his career since 1998.

"My knee has been managed pretty well, Schwerdty's (fitness coach Stephen Schwerdt) programs make it a lot easier," he said.

"This is the best it's felt for a number of years.

"It might be something to do with the different pre-season this year, we spent a fair bit of time on the grass and that probably helped me a fair bit, instead of being on the hard surfaces."

Before he returns to the centre, however, McLeod said he would be likely to mark Melbourne livewire Aaron Davey, who was influential when the Crows lost to the Demons at the MCG in round seven.

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