For most 20-year-old footballers, a SANFL debut in a Showdown on Adelaide Oval would be a daunting experience.
But when it comes to new State League Crow Blayne O’Loughlin, the transition to the big stage was an easy one thanks to a summer of pre-season training with the Club’s SANFL and AFL squads.
Speaking to AFC Media, the budding defender said he felt right at home donning the Crows jumper for the first time.
“It was pretty special to debut in a Showdown, the atmosphere out on the field was electric, so to be amongst it was a very special moment for myself and my family,” O’Loughlin said.
“There was certainly a bit of a step up after playing Reserves last year, but training with the AFL and SANFL boys here at the Crows over the summer really prepared me well for it.
“I felt like I knew what I was doing out there and that allowed the footy just to come to me naturally.
“Andrew McPherson and Jackson Hately spoke to me before the game and just told me the boys trust me, and that just gave me the confidence to go out there and play with freedom.”
O’Loughlin has always had football in his blood, with his uncle Michael a member of the AFL Indigenous Team of the Century after playing 303 games and kicking 521 goals for Sydney.
And he showed the calibre of his pedigree, recording 14 disposals, laying five tackles and taking two marks in Adelaide’s thumping 78-point victory over the Magpies.
But while he was pleased with his own performance, he said the best part of the experience was walking off the ground as a winner, surrounded by his Crows family.
“As soon as that siren went I was just so happy, to beat Port in a Showdown is a big thrill and it was nice to get the season underway with a win,” O’Loughlin said.
“After the game the boys got around all us who debuted, we got into the middle for the song and got showered with Gatorade.”
Singing the Crows song after a win was the culmination of five years of hard work with the Club.
He became involved through the Next Generation Academy in 2018, where he developed his craft alongside starring at junior level with local club Gepps Cross and SANFL outfit North Adelaide.
Nearing his league debut towards the end of last season, O’Loughlin saw an opportunity with the Crows and grabbed it with both hands, signing on as part of the SANFL Rookie Program for 2023.
Impressing on the track throughout the summer, the dashing defender was then given his opportunity in the opening round, and looked right at home at the level.
But now, with the first match out of the way, he said he was as determined as ever to forge ahead and potentially make his dream of getting on an AFL list a reality.
“My main goal is, like any other kid, to get drafted onto an AFL list,” O’Loughlin said.
“But I’ve got a number of other goals along the way, with the first one being to play consistent footy at league level.
“It’s a good feeling to get that first game out of the way, and now I just want to keep playing at that level and getting better while also enjoying my time here at the Crows.”
