The Brighton High School product grew up supporting Woodville but made his SANFL debut with Glenelg in 1981. He played in losing grand finals in his first two seasons but quickly developed a reputation as one of the competition’s toughest and most courageous midfielders.
When Glenelg won the 1985 and ’86 premierships he was listed high among the best players; he won three consecutive best-and-fairest award in 1986-87-88 and made the All Australian team in 1986 and ’87. He signed with Fitzroy in 1981, was chased by Carlton and then drafted by the Brisbane Bears but stayed loyal to Glenelg, despite the successful moves to the VFL of close mates, Stephen Kernahan and Tony McGuinness. A natural leader, McDermott became Glenelg’s captain in 1989 - the year after he suffered a serious knee injury in an exhibition game in Canada.
Adelaide’s creation at the end of 1990 gave him the opportunity to play at the highest level without leaving the State - and he made his debut in the Crows’ first game (against Hawthorn) at the age of 27 and after 274 games for Glenelg and SA.
He was able to mix it with the best in the AFL and in 1992 was rewarded with the Club Champion trophy and All Australia selection. He captained the Club for its first four seasons and was the first Crow to reach 100 games. McDermott was hampered by knee injuries in his final season with the Crows, playing just nine games to lift his tally to 117.
In 1997 he was appointed playing coach of SANFL club North Adelaide and then non-playing coach from 1998 to 2000. He is now heavily involved with the Little Heroes Foundation and continues to work widely in the media.
Chris McDermott at the Crows
Guernsey number: 10.
Crows debut: Round 1 v Hawthorn, 1991.
AFC games: 117 AFC goals: 25.
Recruited from: Glenelg (SANFL)
Original squad selection 1991.
DOB: November 4, 1963
He said: “I never thought I would play AFL at all, let alone 100 games.”
Random info:
He twice collected 44 possessions in AFL games, but missed out on Brownlow Medal votes both times.
He is the cousin of the Australian stand up comedian Paul McDermott
His nickname is Bone, to Bones!
Crows career:
Year | Games |
1991 | 21 |
1992 | 22 |
1993 | 23 |
1994 | 22 |
1995 | 20 |
1996 | 9 |
