Adelaide’s stockpile of left-footed players has tripled in the past few years. 

In 2009, the Club had just two left-footers in former skipper Simon Goodwin and midfielder Chris Knights. This season, there are six lefties in the Crows playing squad: Matt Crouch, James Podsiadly, Sam Shaw, Mitch Grigg, Rory Atkins and rookie Jake Kelly. 

The Club is still a way behind Hawthorn (14) and St Kilda (13), who lead the League in (senior-listed) left-footers, but Adelaide’s lefty brigade is an exciting one.

Crouch has been impressive during his first AFL pre-season. The ball-magnet has excelled in match simulation training, with his ball-winning ability and natural footy instincts coming to the fore.

Coach Brenton Sanderson said 18-year-old Crouch “hadn’t missed a beat” since joining brother Brad at the Club, adding the Crows’ coaching staff were keen him in action in the Adelaide’s opening NAB Challenge game against the Power at Richmond Oval. Crows fans will be salivating at the prospect of brothers Brad and Matt Crouch donning the tri-colours for years to come.

Veteran recruit Podsiadly is the Crows’ most experienced left-footer, joining the Club after four seasons, 83 games, 169 goals and a premiership with Geelong. Podsiadly has impressed players and coaches alike in his first summer at West Lakes. The burly forward revealed earlier in the week he feels as though he “could’ve played three weeks ago,” such has been the quality of his pre-season. Alongside Josh Jenkins, Eddie Betts, Lewis Johnston and returning pair Tom Lynch and Taylor Walker, ‘J-Pod’ and his booming left boot will be crucial in Adelaide’s new-look forward line.

Shaw is another left-footed Crow hoping for a big 2014. After a frustrating season last year marred by a persistent hamstring injury, Shaw has cut a determined figure on the training track this summer. With his imposing frame, impressive athleticism and uncanny ability to read the play, a fit and firing Sam Shaw could be one of the Crows’ ‘Cinderella stories’ of 2014. Coach Brenton Sanderson said he couldn’t wait to see the 193 cm utility back in action.

“We missed Sam Shaw last year, he was really important for us in 2012 and hardly played a game,” Sanderson said.

“He’s had a good summer and has some solid training under his belt. Hopefully, he’s flying for the start of the season as well.”

Grigg has already made a mark on the competition, earning his AFL debut with the Crows last season. Grigg played five AFL matches late in 2013 after dominating for Norwood throughout the year. 

The smooth-moving 21-year-old starred for Adelaide in the Round 19 Showdown, showcasing his precise foot skills and composure on SA’s biggest stage. Grigg even earned a Showdown Medal vote for his performance in just his second AFL game, despite starting the match as a sub.

Now with a taste of football at the highest level, Grigg has consistently been amongst the leading pack in the Club’s aerobic conditioning drills this pre-season, and has his sights firmly set on cementing a spot in the team in 2014.

Untried duo Atkins and Kelly round out Adelaide’s left-footers. Drafted with pick No.81 in the 2012 National Draft, Atkins is one of the most reliable kicks at the Club. The 19-year-old has added muscle to his frame and looks to have benefited immensely from his first full AFL pre-season. With his booming left-foot kick and innate game-sense, the 2012 Calder Cannons best and fairest-winner should develop quickly in Adelaide’s State League system. 

Kelly is another exciting prospect. He has famous football lineage, with his father Craig playing 122 games for Collingwood in the 1990s. The 189 cm defender has already earned the nickname ‘The Bull’ inside the Club for his eagerness for the contest and competitive attitude, prompting defensive coach Darren Milburn to compare his attack on the ball to Patrick Dangerfield.

“You can't teach that in players, you've either got it or you haven't and he definitely has it,” Milburn said of Kelly.

"He's been fantastic so far, the future looks bright for him I think."

With such praise coming from dual premiership player and All-Australian defender Darren Milburn, Kelly’s journey will be one for Crows fans to keep a close eye on in years to come.

See the Crows left-footed dynamos in action by becoming joining an Adelaide Football Club member. Click here for more information on how to sign up for season 2014.