Former Adelaide forward Troy Bond says he thrived off the pressure finals footy brought.
Bond played 58 games in four seasons at the Crows including the 1997 Premiership, after being traded to Adelaide from Carlton.
He booted four goals in the 1997 Grand Final win against St Kilda, including the sealer.
Playing in Adelaide’s inaugural flag decider victory was extra special for Bond who was left out of the Blues’ 1995 Grand Final team.
Speaking on Triple M’s The Crows Radio Show, Bond told Sauce and Thommo just how much he enjoyed lining up in those big games.
“It seems like a long time ago now but it was one of the greatest highlights of my football career, playing in the Premiership,” Bond said.
“Everyone knows that I missed out with Carlton in 1995, so it was great to get another opportunity to play in the big one, that’s what you play football for.
“It’s always nice to perform in finals, I suppose finals makes or breaks you as a player.
“I had all my cousins, Mum and Dad and my brother (watching), it was fantastic.”
Bond, who was originally from SA, was selected by Carlton at the 1992 AFL National Draft.
He made his AFL debut, ironically, against Adelaide in Round One, 1994.
Despite cementing his spot in the Blues’ team in 1995, he was not chosen to be part of the Grand Final team that went on to win the flag.
Bond said a mix of homesickness and disappointment led to him wanting to return home to SA.
The Crows secured Bond in a three-way trade with Carlton and Geelong at the end of the 1995 season.
“It was a big transition (to Carlton),” Bond said.
“Carlton is one of the big four Melbourne Clubs and I really enjoyed my time there. I played with some absolute champions, it was probably one of the best Carlton teams they had.
“The disappointment was there but also the homesickness, I wanted to come home and be with my family and friends.”
When it comes to his time at West Lakes, Bond says he will always cherish the memories, and is especially thankful for two-time Premiership coach Malcolm Blight.
“The Adelaide Football Club has been fantastic to me and whenever I need anything for the Aboriginal community, they are always there.”
Tune in this Sunday at 9am on Triple M Adelaide for the next instalment of Sauce and Thomo.
