He hung up the boots five years ago, but Andrew McLeod remains a significant influence on Adelaide’s current crop of Indigenous Crows.

McLeod retired in 2010 after 340 AFL games as one of the most decorated players in the competition’s history.

But McLeod, who directs Adelaide’s Indigenous Programs along with his wife Rachael, continues to play a big part in nurturing the Club’s next wave of Indigenous talent.

The McLeods have adopted Eddie Betts, Cam Ellis-Yolmen, Charlie Cameron and Anthony Wilson like members of their own family. The group regularly meets at the McLeod residence for social gatherings, backyard basketball and even met on Wednesday night to watch the NRL State of Origin opener.

McLeod said it was important for the players to have somewhere to retreat from the rigours of AFL football.

“We’ve got a great relationship with Charlie, Cam, Eddie and Anthony Wilson,” McLeod said.

“We’ve got our own little family amongst the Club and it’s great to be able to hopefully impart a little bit of information on to them.

“We just provide a bit of an oasis away (from football) for the boys.”

Preparing for his Indigenous Round debut against Fremantle on Saturday night, Ellis-Yolmen said McLeod had been an invaluable mentor since he arrived at the Club via the 2011 National Draft.

“Growing up, he was always my favourite player,” he said.

“It’s awesome to be at the same Club as him and to be sitting next to him. He was a great player and he’s a role model for so many Indigenous players around the country.

“It’s awesome to be able to go and chill out with one of your favourite players and hang out with Eddie, Charlie and Anthony outside of football.”

Ellis-Yolmen has been one of Adelaide’s most improved players in 2015.

After making his AFL debut as the substitute last season, the dynamic midfielder has thrived with greater opportunities under new coach Phil Walsh. He’s played six games with an average of 19 possessions and five clearances per match.

“It’s been great for ‘Curly’ to have a bit of a breakout year,” McLeod said.

“I think we’ve already seen…how important he’s been. His ability in close in stoppages to get the ball out and give his teammates opportunities is something that excites the fans.

“It’s a great round for the celebration of Indigenous players and Indigenous people. For ‘Curly’ to run out this week and throw the jumper on will be pretty special.”

Standing 189cm and 94kg, McLeod compared Ellis-Yolmen’s strong frame to the likes of modern-day gun midfielders Jobe Watson and Nat Fyfe.

“I think that big-bodied midfielder is the way that the AFL is going. He fits that mould,” he said.

“Cam’s journey is only in its infancy and it’s growing. Where that goes, who knows? But it’s started off pretty exciting.”

Adelaide’s Indigenous Round clash with Fremantle kicks off at 7.10pm on Saturday night at Adelaide Oval.