When the Reds' A-League and ACL schedules collide over two weeks this September, Adelaide's ACL hopes will be decided with two quarter-final matches against J-League powerhouse Kashima Antlers on September 17 and 24.

Sandwiched in-between will be three meetings with the three previous A-League champions.

"We've got Sydney, then we've got the Antlers in Japan then Melbourne then the Antlers again [in Adelaide] followed by the champions Newcastle," Cornthwaite told au.fourfourtwo.com from the Olyroos training camp.

"So it's going to be a tough period but it's a time of the year we're all looking forward.

"European footballers play maybe upwards of 50 games with European football so it's something we should also get used to."

The ACL clash looms as the most important in Australian club football history. And Cornthwaite senses the timing of the matches might be in favour of the Reds.

"You've got to remember they're [Kashima] coming to the end of their season, so maybe they're starting to fatigue, injuries could also come into it."

By contrast, Adelaide will have had the luxury of an off-season break and will be fresher after less than a month of the A-League under their belt.

It's one of the obvious benefits for A-League sides which are able to get out of the ACL group stages.

Cornthwaite added: "We've got to fancy our chances no matter who we play or no matter when. We gained a lot of confidence throughout the Asian Champions League.

"And the good thing for us is we're going to be going in with a different squad. No Brucey [Djite], no Burnsy [Nathan]. A few Brazilians coming in so it's a new squad with experience."

This experience includes Dutch Eredivisie signing Cristiano, 26, tipped to be a big star next season in the red shirt of Adelaide.

However, Kashima too have strengthened signing Japan national team favourite Koji Nakata from FC Basel.

Adelaide's defensive strength was a major feature of its ACL campaign. Cornthwaite hopes it continues against Kashima.

"We worked so hard for so long on our structure through the back. We only conceded two goals in six games of the ACL," he said.

"Considering we let in so many soft goals in the A-League season, it was something we worked really hard on and got right.

"But we've got Sasa [Ognenovski] at the back who can definitely do the job and we now have strength all over the park, especially at the back. It'll be
interesting to see who gets the starting spots at the back."

Cornthwaite, 22, is also hoping for a starting spot in Australia's Olympics campaign before Adelaide United's "Super September".

The tall defender is one of a number of Olyroos nervously awaiting Graham Arnold's final decision on the squad later this week.

"Realistically I'm a latecomer in the national set up having not played in any of the 17s or 20s," he admitted.

"But with my height [197cm] I can also be chucked up front as an impact player.

"It's good to be versatile and play in a number of different positions."