The Crows boast one of the best records in the League when it comes to transforming rookie-listed players into long-serving AFL stars.
Since the rookie draft was introduced in 1997, Adelaide’s selections have produced three 100-plus-game players, Michael Doughty (142 games), Rob Shirley (140 games) and All-Australian defender Ben Rutten (102 games).
Former half-back Marty Mattner, who began his career on the Crows’ rookie list, played 98 games for Adelaide before chalking up his 100th AFL appearance in a Sydney Swans jumper last season.
Only Melbourne can lay claim to a greater success rate, with four former rookies going on to reach triple-figures at the club.
Melbourne was also responsible for rookie listing recently retired All-Australian full-back Nathan Bassett, who played 210 games and finished his career with Adelaide.
Rutten, who was rookie-listed alongside Mattner and All-Australian centre half-back Nathan Bock in 2002, said Tuesday’s draft would provide the successful nominees with a genuine chance to play AFL football.
“For the younger guys coming into a club, especially on the rookie list, it just goes to show that the opportunities are there for you,” Rutten said.
“There are a few good examples at our club at the moment of guys that have taken the initiative and taken charge of their careers.
“And it’s good to know the coaches and recruiters get it wrong some times.”
Other rookie success stories include Crow Jason Porplyzia, Collingwood’s Tarkyn Lockyer, Fremantle duo Antoni Grover and Aaron Sandilands, Port Adelaide’s Dean Brogan and Danyle Pearce, Swans Brett Kirk and Tadhg Kennelly, St Kilda’s Stephen Milne, Hawthorn’s Brad Sewell and Michael Osborne, Dee Aaron Davey and triple Brisbane Lions premiership player Mal Michael.
One youngster hoping to get a chance to add his name to this illustrious list is Trentham teenager Ricky Henderson.
Henderson, 19, has been invited to train with Adelaide in the lead-up to next week’s draft.
Football operations manger John Reid said the club was interested in having a look at the 186cm former basketballer.
“I guess he is what you might call a smokey, but we had a bit of a tip-off he can play, so we’ll see what he’s got to offer,” Reid told the Adelaide Advertiser.
Adelaide has retained utility James Moss and speedy wingman Brodie Martin as second-year rookies, and has also committed to signing Irishman Brian Donnelly.
That leaves the club with three rookie spots to be filled on Tuesday.
