Adelaide SANFL-listed midfielder Josh Smithson has endured many twists and turns during his footy career.

From humble beginnings back home in Karoonda - a small country town in the Murray Mallee with a population of 512 - to college footy in Adelaide, and later to Melbourne.

But the now 23-year-old never thought he’d land at the Crows nest.

Smithson signed with Adelaide as one of its SANFL-listed players for the 2022 season.

And it was a phone call from former West Adelaide junior coach and now Adelaide SANFL football manager Jarrod Meers who made it happen.

“I was looking to come back and play high-level footy in Adelaide and Meersy (Jarrod Meers) rang me - he had coached me previously at Westies, so I had a connection through him,” Smithson said.

“I really enjoyed playing under him previously so when he gave me the call I was really excited to be given the opportunity.

“The facilities here are second to none and I love the way the program is set up, it fits in well with work and still gives me the chance to play high-level footy.

“I get to play alongside players like ROB (Reilly O’Brien) and Crouchy (Matt Crouch) which is obviously a privilege and makes me rise to another level, which is good.”

Smithson’s footy  moved to Adelaide from Karoonda to study Year 11 and 12 at Prince Alfred College and played First XVIII’s for the Reds.

He was then a highly-touted junior with West Adelaide, being named best-on-ground 13 times and claimed the 2017 SANFL under-18 Most Valuable Player.

But Smithson took a break from League football and lined up in the country with Bute for a couple of years.

He then spent a season with North Haven in the Adelaide Footy League before signing with Essendon’s VFL side last season.

The 2021 VFL season did, however, get cancelled due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic in Victoria but it turned out to be a blessing in disguise for Smithson.

“I re-injured my ankle while I was over there, luckily it didn’t end up being as bad as I first thought,” Smithson said.

“But I came back to Adelaide to do my rehab and then the VFL season got called off

“I was lucky enough to qualify for North Haven in their finals and we won a Premiership last year, so it worked out quite well.”

Smithson has featured in two SANFL games for the Crows, including last Friday night’s victory against Woodville-West Torrens, in which he amassed 15 disposals and kicked a goal.

“It was a really good win against the Eagles and great to be part of it,” Smithson said.

“The boys are a real tight-knit group and the AFL guys are so good with us SANFL guys, you wouldn’t know that we’re not with them all the time and I think that really helps.

“Hopefully I can string a few more games together and I’m loving the opportunity to play League footy.”

The Crows play Norwood at Norwood Oval this Friday night, with the first bounce at 7.40pm.