Adelaide rising star Luke Pedlar had to wait until Round 16 before earning a call-up to the Crows’ AFL side.

After being selected with pick No.11 at last year’s AFL National Draft, Pedlar worked hard to prove himself.

He played eight games in the SANFL and strung together a few impressive performances, before learning he would debut against Brisbane at Adelaide Oval.

The 19-year-old’s first AFL game came off the back of a hectic few days.

Adelaide fled SA on a Wednesday night, after the state recorded five new Covid-19 cases, only to return on the Friday morning ahead of the match on Saturday.

“I remember we flew to Melbourne for a hub because of coronavirus and Nicksy announced that I would be debuting back in Adelaide for the game that weekend,” Pedlar said.

“We still weren't sure if we were going to play in Adelaide or Melbourne but I was lucky enough to play at Adelaide Oval for my first game.

“I was extremely nervous and excited to put the Crows jumper on and play for the first time.”

The moment in the rooms before the Kingston product made his debut, and the game itself, were his favourite moments of 2021.

“The coaches just told me to have fun and play my role,” Pedlar said.

“I had my family there before the game and we had Chris McDermott hand it to my Dad and then Dad handed me the guernsey.

“I remember I didn’t touch the footy for 10 minutes and then there was a kick out of the centre that came to me and I just grabbed it quickly and chucked it on the boot.

“The intensity is way higher and you’re running a lot more, but it is just another footy game and that’s how I tried to look at it.

“I just tried to be as comfortable as I could and not get too nervous and just played my role.”

Despite the dream debut, an ankle injury ended Pedlar’s season early.

He also had a left shoulder reconstruction during the off-season on a pre-existing injury that he was able to manage in his first season.

Speaking to AFC Media, the midfielder/forward said getting his body right was a top priority ahead of his second campaign with the Club.

“It is hard because you want to perform but in your first year and you’re happy to be at an AFL Club,” Pedlar said.

“Obviously you want to prove yourself but I was a little bit restricted (with injuries).

“But my first year has been great, we have a really good group, we all get along and play some really good footy together.

“I am really excited about where we can go as a group.”