With only one player - defender Michael Doughty - on the veteran’s list, the Crows were able to elevate a rookie to fill the 40th spot in their senior playing squad.
Callinan will now be eligible for selection from round one of the premiership season onwards.
Offered an AFL lifeline by Adelaide in the Rookie Draft at the end of 2010, Callinan was limited to three games in his debut season because of bicep and hamstring injuries, but showed enough to retain his place on the Club’s rookie list for a second year.
The 29-year-old has started 2012 in impressive fashion, adding his trademark skill and football nous to the Crows’ forward line and kicking a goal in each of his four pre-season appearances.
He sparked Adelaide in the second half against Collingwood in round three of the NAB Cup, collecting 16 disposals and kicking a classy left-foot goal in less than 50 minutes of game time.
Callinan was lively again in the Club’s NAB Cup Grand Final win over West Coast on Saturday night, amassing 15 possessions and kicking 1.3 in three quarters.
Coach Brenton Sanderson said Callinan had earned his place on the senior list.
“Ian has been fantastic, especially his last two or three weeks,” Sanderson said.
“It’s a great story and we should be talking about it more.
“Here’s a 29-year-old off the rookie list, who is playing his heart out for the Club.
“I know he’s going to have an outstanding year for us ... at times we’re going to need him.”
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Callinan celebrates a goal against the Brisbane Lions in round two of the NAB Cup
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Callinan's son Jack celebrates in the change rooms with the NAB Cup trophy
Another mature-age rookie, Sturt forward Tim McIntyre also impressed in Crows colours in the opening two weeks of the NAB Cup.
However, like fellow rookies James Craig, Will Young, Sam Martyn, Rory Laird, Dylan Orval and Ben Dowdell, McIntyre will have to wait for his opportunity - Adelaide is unable to promote another rookie until after round 11 unless a senior-listed player is placed on the long-term injury list.
