Adelaide recruit Hugh Bond says he has been loving his time in Adelaide since joining the Crows after being selected at the 2022 AFL National Draft.

Since making the move across the border, the Ballarat product told AFC Media he had been embracing life in Adelaide, making the most of what SA had to offer.

“It has been really good coming over, I’m absolutely loving it so far,” Bond said.

“I have been to a fair few places and done a bit of exploring to keep myself busy.

“I have been down to lots of the beaches – my favourite was probably Port Elliot, it was really nice.”

Adelaide traded up to secure the services of Bond, completing a pick swap with Brisbane to select the tough midfielder. 

The 18 -year-old joined the Crows following a solid 2022 season, playing 12 games for the GWV Rebels and representing Victoria Country where he was renowned for his competitiveness and ability to hunt the ball.

Now in a new environment, Bond has enjoyed getting to know his new teammates and the experiences that come with being an AFL footballer.

“When I first got here all the boys were so welcoming and just the way everyone went about it made me feel embraced instantly,” Bond said.

“Going away to Perth was just another experience to get to know everyone and I really enjoyed it.”

While he has only been in Adelaide for a few months Bond said he had learned lots over the pre-season, with the playing group and coaching staff giving him plenty of advice, which had helped him build his game.

“I have received some good advice about just keeping at it and persisting to be better,” Bond said.

“All the boys have been really nice and have definitely taken me under their wing.”