For Adelaide SANFL development squad member Jaidan Kappler, his 33rd game of League football will always be a standout.

It signified the beginning of a new chapter in the 27-year-old’s football journey, as he donned the Crows jumper for the first time and returned to the SANFL ranks after taking a year off in 2022. 

Coming into the Adelaide side for its gritty 24-point win over reigning premier Norwood last Friday, Kappler collected 10 disposals and was part of a back six that kept the Redlegs to just five goals.

Speaking to AFC Media, Kappler said the Crows debut capped a “special” night.

“Going into it I was a bit nervous, and I hadn’t been nervous for a game of footy for years, I couldn’t remember the last time I got nervous which was new to me,” Kappler said.

“But as soon as I got out there I was pretty comfortable. I didn't really feel out of my depth, the boys got around me which was good, I played my role and we got the win which was great. 

“Growing up my grandpa was a die-hard Crows fan… It was pretty incredible to be able to put on the Adelaide colours for the first time. 

“That made the night even more special.” 

It was pretty incredible to be able to put on the Adelaide colours for the first time.

Kappler’s football story began at South Adelaide, as he followed in the footsteps of his father David, who played 292 games and won four best and fairests for the Panthers from 1982 to 1993. 

Coming up through the junior ranks at South Adelaide, he made his SANFL debut in 2018 and featured in the senior side on 32 occasions across four seasons, before making the decision to take a break from League footy. 

“Starting off in the juniors at South I worked my way up into the reserves and then played there for a few years before playing my first league game when I was 22,” Kappler said.

“I spent four years in and out of the team, before I made the decision to take a season off in 2022 to relax a bit and just played local footy at Noarlunga (in the Southern Football League). 

“That season was very refreshing for me, and has given me a bit of a new lease on life as I embark on a new SANFL chapter with the Crows.” 

Following the 2022 SFL season, Kappler was approached by former development squad member Samuel Tharaldsen to try out for a spot on the Crows list.

Kappler said signing with Adelaide was an opportunity he could not knock back after wanting to prove he could still contribute at SANFL level.

“I just wanted to test myself and see if I could still play at that level,” Kappler said. 

“I had a reasonable year at Noarlunga (in 2022) and that inspired me to give it another crack, and everything has been great so far.

“Being with the Crows has been a lot more relaxed than your regular SANFL club which I’ve loved, and the group of people here has made the experience very enjoyable.” 

Adelaide’s SANFL side faces Glenelg at Glenelg Oval this Saturday at 2.10pm.