Adelaide midfielder Hugh Bond says he is ready to tackle the second half of the year after returning to competitive footy in the Crows' SANFL clash against Woodville West-Torrens a fortnight ago.

It was Bond’s first game since April and the first time he had run out all four quarters in the SANFL, after being sidelined with a knee injury, which he copped earlier in the season.

Speaking to AFC Media, Bond said it was a good feeling to be back playing footy, following an interrupted start to his first year at West Lakes.  

“It was a good feeling being back out there with all the boys – I obviously loved it,” Bond said.

“It was pretty much my first game for the season, so I was just happy to be playing some footy again.

“All the boys were really good to me, they got around me and made me feel welcome.”

The Crows defeated the Eagles by 23 points following a dominant second half, where they had 17 scoring shots, while allowing Woodville West-Torrens just seven.

Bond spent the afternoon playing off half-back where he recorded 11 disposals, five tackles and two marks.

The game was Bond’s second State League game, having played in Adelaide’s Round One SANFL clash against cross-town rivals Port Adelaide, in which he had three touches before coming off injured.

Despite having to watch from the sidelines throughout the early part of the season, Bond continued to remain optimistic, thanks to the support of teammate Andrew McPherson, who was also in the rehab group and helped the youngster get through. 

“I think it was a really good thing for me in a way as I had to persevere and show some resilience,” Bond said.

“It was obviously annoying that it happened so early on and it being my first year while I was trying to get my feet settled.

“Andrew McPherson was really good to me throughout rehab.

“We both had our stints there and he was really supportive of me, helping me see the good things out of it and the light at the end of the tunnel.”

Adelaide sits third on the SANFL ladder and Bond says he is excited to start building some consistency in the State League, viewing this weekend’s game against South Adelaide as another opportunity.

“I just want to play and get some consistency in the SANFL and push myself harder to be better as well,” Bond said.

“Hopefully we can get another win on the board this weekend, that would be awesome for us as a team.

“I think it is going to be a good challenge for us as well to show what we’ve got.”

The Crows’ SANFL side takes on South Adelaide at Noarlunga this Saturday afternoon, with the first bounce at 2.10pm.