Adelaide recruit Tyler Welsh isn’t a stranger to the Crows’ West Lakes headquarters.
Across the past five years, the 18-year-old completed training sessions, plus behind-the-scenes tours of the Club as part of the father-son academy program.
Welsh even played for Club’s SANFL side this past season, lining up in 10 games and booting 10 goals.
But when he stepped into the Club on Friday after the Crows selected him on night two of the 2024 Telstra AFL Draft, he felt a change.
“I came here with the Crows academy a lot growing up… I was about 13 or 14 when I started coming to the father-son academies and that was awesome,” Welsh said.
“(But) it was a totally different feeling, walking back in here after being drafted.
“Everybody gave me positive energy and I’ve had a great time so far.
“It’s unbelievable.”
Welsh’s draft night was made extra special by finding out he would be wearing No.17 on the back of his guernsey - the same number his dad donned during his 129 AFL games at the Crows.
Scott presented the guernsey to his son on Thursday night at Tyler’s junior footy club - Henley Sharks - where family and friends gathered to watch night two of the draft.
“It’s unreal. It was a cracker night, there was a big crowd (at Henley Football Club), all my family and friends were there,” Welsh said.
“I didn’t know (I’d be wearing the No.17) and my Dad didn’t know, either.
“Adam (Kelly) rocked up, showed us the guernsey and that’s when Dad started to get pretty emotional.
“When I walked into the Club and saw my name on the No.17 (locker), I took a photo and sent it to Dad straight away.”
Welsh had been training with a few of the Crows players during the off-season, with his main focus to improve his fitness.
“I want to be as fit as I can, I have a lot of work to do, but it’s going to be a good year,” Welsh said.
“I have been out here running nearly every day and I went out to Karen Rolton Oval with the boys for a couple of main sessions as well.
“I got messages from (the players) last night after it all happened and they said ‘head down, bum up and get as fit as you have ever been, and work hard’.”
Welsh’s selection followed Adelaide taking South Adelaide midfielder Sid Draper with Pick No.4 on the opening night of the draft.
Adelaide finalised its 2025 list on Friday, by re-selecting midfielder Harry Schoenberg and forward Chris Burgess in the AFL's Rookie Draft.
