Three rising SA footballers are taking a step toward their dream of playing at the top level after being invited to train with Adelaide's AFL squad.
NAB AFL Academy stars Max Michalanney and Adam D'Aloia will be joined by Adelaide Football Club Next Generation Academy player Isaac Keeler at training with Adelaide’s AFL squad this week.
Through the program the trio will experience the ins and outs of an elite environment, working with Crows players, coaches and staff who will help prepare them for life as an AFL footballer.
Football is in Michalanney’s blood — his dad Jim Michalanney was a Norwood great who lined up in 211 SANFL games and won premierships in 1975, 1978, 1982 and 1984.
The former Rostrevor College student and Redlegs star was named the MVP for South Australia at the 2021 AFL National Championships.
He also qualifies under the father-son rule for the Crows.
D'Aloia, a Woodville-West Torrens product, captained St Michael’s college football team in 2021 and SA’s under-17 team at the National Championships.
He also took home the Alan Stewart Medal for best on ground in the SANFL under-18 grand final last season.
Keeler has been a part of the Crows Academies NGA Squad for the past four years, having been identified in Port Augusta, which is in the North Adelaide region (Crows NGA zone).
He is 198cm and plays the key forward/pinch hit ruck role for North Adelaide’s under-18 side.
In 2020, James Borlase and Tariek Newchurch became the first Crows Academies NGA players to be contracted to an AFL club when they were drafted to the Adelaide Football Club.
Crows Academies Manager Jarrod Meers said it was a great opportunity for the youngsters to get a taste of AFL life.
“So many of our current AFL listed players experienced a similar week when they were coming through the AFL Academy program,” Meers said.
“We love having the young emerging talent in the club.
“Max, Adam and Isaac will train with the main AFL squad, have access to our coaches, game and nutrition education – all which will prepare them for possible drafting at the end of the year.”
NGA Academies is a joint initiative between the AFL and AFL Clubs which aims to attract, retain and develop talented players and growing participation in the under-represented segments of our community.
