Jordan Gallucci’s maiden season as a Crow was one of both highs and lows.
The Club’s first pick at the 2016 National Draft was rewarded for his strong SANFL form with an impressive senior debut in Round Nine, where he collected 11 disposals and kicked a goal as Adelaide defeated Brisbane by 80 points.
Gallucci’s joy was relatively short-lived, with the hard-running midfielder sustaining two fractures to his jaw following a collision playing in the SANFL late in the season.
The 19-year-old finished his year on the Club’s long-term injury list after the breaks required surgery.
“It was really tough missing out, and I was trying to push for a game hopefully in the finals series,” he said.
“There was no chewing for the first six weeks, and I lost seven kilos in the first two.”
“I just caught up with the specialist yesterday and got the all-clear, the breaks healed really well, and I’m ready to go.”
Fully recovered and midway through the pre-season campaign, Gallucci is keen to seize his opportunities with the JLT Community Series just weeks away.
“The second pre-season in is a lot tougher, you come back a little bit earlier and you’re straight into it,” he said.
“(The debut) was a really good experience; I’ll try and get a few more games and more experience comes with that.”
After training predominantly with the midfield group last year, Gallucci has been spending time with the forwards as he vies to fill the position vacated by Charlie Cameron, who was traded in the offseason.
“There’s a role that’s opened up and there’s a few boys that are pushing for that. Going forward, hopefully I can develop my game further and then go from there.”
Renowned for his pace and strong tackling, Gallucci is looking to establish a model of consistency as he applies himself in the lead-up to the season proper.
“Hopefully I can keep playing to my strengths and show what I’ve got.”
The Victorian has settled well into Adelaide life, signing a two-year contract extension on Friday tying him to the Club until the end of 2020.
“The decision was made really easy for us, for me personally and also for the family,” he said.
“With the Crows being such a family club, it was a no-brainer for them to get on board with me.
“I’ve spent a lot of time down at the beach to unwind from training, and living so close to the beach now and going back to Melbourne (over the break) meant I missed it a bit.”
Drafted alongside close friend and fellow NAB AFL Academy member Myles Poholke has helped Gallucci settle into his new surroundings, with the duo part of a close-knit group of recent draftees.
“It’s been a very smooth transition and it’s helped heaps having Myles here as well,” he said.
“He signed a little bit before me, so it’s comforting to see he’s sticking around.
“The younger group, we’re pretty tight so it’s been really easy. We do like to have a bit of fun together, but when it gets down to business we’re ready to go.”
