Hugh Greenwood will continue his football journey after signing a new two-year deal with Adelaide.
Greenwood, 25, has been an exciting addition to the Crows team since making his AFL debut against the Brisbane Lions in Round Nine.
The big-bodied midfielder’s physicality has been a feature of his nine senior games.
He’s averaging 16 possessions (10 contested) and an elite seven clearances.
The left-footer, who has laid five tackles per game, is Adelaide’s best pressure player since Round Nine.
He’s also kicked six goals including three on debut at the Gabba.
Greenwood said he was thrilled to sign on with the Crows until the end of 2019.
“I’m really excited to see what’s going to happen over the next couple of years, and I’m very thankful as well. The footy club has given me another opportunity,” Greenwood said.
“It’s a very positive environment and I think we’re built for success.
“I feel very much at home here. I’ve really embraced the city and the Club.”
Crows General Manager List Management and Strategy Justin Reid praised Greenwood’s work ethic since arriving at West Lakes.
“Hugh’s background from an alternate sport is well documented but his commitment and approach to training since he’s been at Adelaide has been outstanding,” Reid said.
“He has become an important part of the Club’s midfield group and his development as a player is a credit to him and the coaching group.”
A former basketballer, Greenwood played for the University of New Mexico Lobos in the United States and represented the Australian Boomers.
The talented athlete hadn’t played football competitively for eight years when he gave up a contract with NBL team, Perth Wildcats, and signed with Adelaide as a Category-B rookie in September, 2015.
Prior to accepting a basketball scholarship at the age of 15, Greenwood was a promising junior footballer and represented Tasmania at the Under-16 AFL National Championships.
It was at this time he developed a rapport with Adelaide’s National Recruiting Manager Hamish Ogilvie, who kept tabs on Greenwood’s sporting career overseas.
“I owe a lot to Hamish for giving me my first opportunity to be here at the Club,” Greenwood said.
“I put all my eggs in one basket – I just really wanted to play AFL footy.
“It’s been a big jump up … and, for me, only being back in the sport for a couple of years you’re learning something different every day.”
After a promising first season at State League level, Greenwood was named co-captain of Adelaide’s SANFL team for the 2017 season.
His grandfather, Peter Marquis, played 99 VFL games for Melbourne including three premierships.
