Rookie defenders Rory Laird and Kyle Hartigan have earned promotions to Adelaide’s senior list.
Laird, 20, established himself as a regular in the Crows side after being elevated to the primary squad in April. The former West Adelaide junior made his AFL debut against the Western Bulldogs in Round Four and only missed one game (through injury) from there on, playing a total of 18 matches.
He was one of four Crows to receive a Rising Star nomination, getting the nod for his performance against North Melbourne in Round 20. The nuggety, 178cm, 76kg, backman quickly earned respect for his tenacity and courage, which was best highlighted by his desperate smother to prevent a certain Fremantle goal in Round 10.
Watch Laird’s smother of the year and more highlights by clicking the play button above.
Composed and reliable, Laird developed the attacking side of his game in the second half of the season. He averaged 21 possessions and five marks in the last 10 games, including a career-high 29 touches and 10 marks against Gold Coast in Round 14. Recruited with pick No.5 in the 2012 Rookie Draft, Laird ranked second at Adelaide in intercept possessions (98) this year.
Hartigan’s promotion marks another chapter in his feel-good football story.
Overlooked in three national drafts, Hartigan was selected with pick No.14 in last year’s Rookie Draft. The mature-age recruit from Werribee received an AFL call-up late in the season after consistent SANFL form.
The 21-year-old key defender replaced the injured Ben Rutten in Adelaide’s Round 18 clash with the Dockers, and showed great promise in his three AFL games, averaging 19 possessions and seven marks.
General Manager of List Development and Strategy David Noble said Laird and Hartigan both deserved spots on the Club’s senior list.
“We were rapt with Rory and Kyle’s development this year,” Noble said.
“In his second year on the rookie list, Rory worked really hard and demanded an opportunity with his SANFL form. He was able to maintain that form at AFL level and by mid-season had established himself in our best 22.
“Kyle also displayed consistent SANFL form throughout the year, but had to wait a bit longer for his chance. He looked really comfortable in his three games late in the year and we think he could develop into a quality, long-term defender for us.”
The pair’s elevation to Adelaide’s senior list for 2014 will be formalised with two late picks in November’s AFL National Draft.
As previously advised, rookies Tim McIntyre and Dylan Orval have been delisted, along with Category B (Alternate Talent) rookies Ben Dowdell and Tim Klaosen. This leaves the Club with up to four available rookie spots ahead of the AFL Rookie Draft on November 27.
