Adelaide’s SANFL clash against Central District at Nuriootpa Oval will mark a special Barossa Valley homecoming for marquee recruit Jack Madgen.

Madgen grew up in Williamstown and played his junior football for Barossa District in the Barossa Light and Gawler League.

Speaking to AFC Media, the 30-year-old said he had fond memories of the many games he had played on Nuriootpa Oval and this Saturday afternoon would be a monumental moment in his football journey.

“It will be pretty special for me playing up in the Barossa, Nurioopta is a part of the league I grew up playing in and I’ve got great memories playing there,” Madgen said.

“I played for Barossa Districts right up until 2011 when I moved to the United States to play college basketball, and the last game I played up there was actually on Nuriootpa Oval in an Elimination Final. 

“It’s pretty incredible now going back there to play for the Crows 12 years later, ever since the fixture came out I’ve been looking forward to this game and hopefully we can get some good support up there.”

But while the occasion would be a special one for the Barossa local, he said it would have a greater impact on the community.

“It’s really cool that the Crows are one of the teams coming up,” Madgen said. 

“For the kids to be able to watch players like Matt Crouch, Sam Berry and Kieran Strachan playing on their local oval, I think it will be very inspiring for them.

“It just gives those communities greater access to higher quality footy, which is a great thing.” 

The Crows will be itching to bounce back against the Dogs after a slow start led to them falling to North Adelaide by nine points last weekend.

Madgen said the squad was aware of its shortcomings against the Roosters and was confident it could turn the tide on Saturday. 

“Last week (against North Adelaide) was a weird one, we lost by nine points but were down by six goals at quarter time, so we were pretty good after that opening term,” Madgen said. 

“It just goes to show that the SANFL is a very good competition, and if you aren’t ready to play from the very start the opposition will make you pay and that’s what happened. 

“But we know we can compete with and beat the best sides, for us it’s all about getting our mindset right and that will be a big focus this weekend.”

Adelaide takes on Central District at Nuriootpa Oval this Saturday at 2.30pm.