History beckons for the Adelaide Football Club and State League captain Ian Callinan, who is set to lead the team in its first official SANFL match on Sunday.
Callinan said the anticipation amongst the players was building ahead of the Crows’ Round One SANFL clash with North Adelaide at Prospect.
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“It’s very exciting. It’s pretty much felt like the build-up like for my first AFL game,” Callinan said.
“It’s going to be a historic day for the footy club and something we’ve been working towards all pre-season. It’s a huge honour (to be the Club’s first SANFL captain) and I’m really looking forward to the role.
“Hopefully, we can get a huge crowd there.”
Coached by former North Adelaide great Heath Younie, the SANFL Crows have already competed in three pre-season trial matches, with many of Adelaide’s impressive youngsters showing glimpses of their potential.
“To have a look at them in the trial games has been tremendous and they’ve held themselves in really good stead for the season to come,” Callinan said.
“Guys like James Battersby, Riley Knight, Alex Spina and young Charlie Cameron, who we saw a little bit of in the NAB Challenge, a lot of those guys have really impressed.”
Riley Knight was one of the Adelaide’s best last week in the final trial match at Noarlunga, with fellow draftee Matt Crouch also impressive with 29 possessions. Livewire rookie Charlie Cameron booted five goals throughout Adelaide’s SANFL pre-season campaign.
“It’s a really young side and it’s something that the Club can really look forward to, and they’re only going to get better and better.”
Callinan is one of the most decorated SANFL players in recent history, with four SANFL premierships, two best and fairests with Central District and a Jack Oatey Medal amongst his achievements
The 31-year-old has also excelled in his new role assisting Adelaide’s SANFL coaching panel, and is eager to continue honing his craft.
“It’s been unbelievable, really,” Callinan said.
“It’s something that I love. I’ve got a passion for footy and it’s just something that I love doing. “
Despite his growing off-field responsibilities, Callinan managed to complete a full pre-season with the AFL squad.
“I’ve loved training with all the AFL guys, I’ve got a lot of history with a lot of them,” he said.
“That’s why I play, you meet so many different guys and footy is the reason.”
Ticketed Crows members get free entry to the Club’s SANFL games this season. Find out more about 2014 membership and get onboard!
