Adelaide congratulates its inaugural Captain, 1992 Club Champion and All-Australian, Chris McDermott, on his induction into the Australian Football Hall of Fame.
McDermott was the Crows’ spiritual leader who played a crucial role in unifying Adelaide’s inaugural squad which comprised players from the 10 SANFL clubs in 1990.
That came after a distinguished SANFL career which included 277 games and back-to-back premierships with Glenelg in 1985-86, and three consecutive best-and-fairest awards from 1986-88.
The tough midfielder made his AFL debut at the age of 27 when he led Adelaide to an historic victory in the Club’s first ever game against Hawthorn in Round 1, 1991.
A year later in 1992 he was crowned Adelaide’s Club Champion and All-Australian, and went on to play 117 games for the Crows over six seasons up until 1996.
That took his career tally beyond 400 senior games which also included 15 for South Australia – at the height of state representative football where he won both the Simpson and Fos Williams Medals in 1987 – as well as 10 games for North Adelaide in 1997 where he was also coach until 2000.
Renowned for his courage and physicality, McDermott became Adelaide’s first Life Member in 1995 and is a member of both the Adelaide Football Club Hall of Fame and SA Football Hall of Fame.
Adelaide Chairman John Olsen said McDermott had created a lasting legacy at West Lakes and his Hall of Fame induction was due recognition for an outstanding career.
“Chris was an inspirational leader in our formative years and we are indebted to him and others for the foundation they helped lay for our Club,” Olsen said.
“Not only was he a fantastic Captain, he was a fearless player who led from the front with his actions which set the standard for others to follow.
“This of course came after a decorated SANFL career where his resume is as good as anyone who played in such a strong era of South Australian football.
“On behalf of everyone at the Adelaide Football Club, we congratulate Chris and join with him in celebrating this significant honour.”
Chris McDermott
277 games for Glenelg (1981-1990; 1995-1996)
184 goals
Captain 1989-1990
Premiership player 1985, 1986
Best-and-fairest 1986, 1987, 1988
All-Australian 1992
117 games for Adelaide (1991-1996)
31 goals
Captain 1991-1994
Best-and-fairest 1992
15 games for South Australia
Simpson Medal 1987
Fos Williams Medal 1987
10 games for North Adelaide (1997)
Coach 1997-2000
