Adelaide SANFL-listed player Stephen Tahana says the past fortnight has marked a “pretty special” time in his footy career so far.
Tahana joined the Crows’ State League side ahead of the 2023 season after playing 15 senior games at North Adelaide, but was made to earn his debut in the tri-colours.
The 26-year-old worked hard, dedicating himself to the Club’s training program for the first half of the season, while playing with his local club Gaza in the Adelaide Footy League’s third division.
And, his hard work paid off a fortnight ago when he made his debut for Adelaide in its Round 12 SANFL win over Central District at Nuriootpa Oval.
Tahana then went on to play a key role in last weekend’s victory over ladder-leader Glenelg at the Bay.
Speaking to AFC Media, Tahana reflected on the start of his Crows journey.
“It’s been very enjoyable so far, two wins on the board from my first two games has been awesome,” Tahana said.
“Especially debuting with one of the other top-up boys in Tate Coleman, it’s been surreal getting to play with the Crows and be part of this team.
“Knocking off Glenelg down there at the Bay last week was very special and a great way to continue on from the debut, overall it’s been a pretty special fortnight of footy.”
Tahana’s ascension to the SANFL side has been the culmination of what he identified was going to be a defining season of footy.
He said being part of the Crows SANFL program has reinvigorated his passion for the game.
“After spending a lot of time at North Adelaide through my juniors and early stages of my senior career, I’ve spent the last couple of years just playing local footy at Gaza,” Tahana said.
“But heading into this year I just thought I wanted to really give it a crack and get back into playing SANFL footy.
“I always knew I was good enough to play at the level, I just had to get the motivation and have found that being part of the Crows.”
Being a SANFL-listed player initially presented its challenges, as he pressed for a spot in the Crows side.
But he says learning to overcome the early frustrations helped him become a better footballer.
“At the start of the year it was a little bit frustrating not being able to play,” Tahana said.
“But the big thing for me was always making sure I was ready and when my opportunity arose, take it with both hands.
“Coming here (to West Lakes) every week and training has been a big motivator for me, using the facilities and completing the program has been so rewarding.
“Being part of this program has made me really want to keep getting better.”
Adelaide will look to continue its strong SANFL form when it takes on the Eagles at Woodville Oval this Sunday at 2.10pm.
