Crows SANFL recruit Cameron Taheny says resilience is his most important attribute. 

At just 23 years of age, Taheny has already had a taste of an AFL environment, spending two seasons on Geelong’s list after being selected with Pick No.50 in the 2019 National Draft. 

He then returned to his junior Club, Norwood, in 2022, spending the next three years at the Parade in what were injury-cruelled campaigns. 

But, as he prepares for the third stop of his senior career, at the Adelaide Football Club, Taheny said the resilience he had built over his journey to date would hold him in good stead as the next challenge approached. 

“I developed a bit of resilience from experiences at both Clubs (at Norwood and Geelong) and I took a lot of learnings from a lot of different coaches, as well,” Taheny said to AFC Media.

“That helped shape me to hopefully be a player who can now come in and help the Crows.

“I am super excited to be back within an AFL Club (albeit on the SANFL list), I was very fortunate to have the two years I had at Geelong, and I feel my past experiences in footy will put me in good stead here at the Crows.”

Taheny’s move to the Crows was fuelled by his want for a fresh start. 

Last year was particularly challenging for the crafty forward, with injury preventing from playing any League football. 

And when the Crows came knocking with an opportunity to get back involved in an AFL environment, he said the opportunity was too good to pass up. 

“I am pretty stoked to be getting on board next year. It’s a new opportunity for me and it’s a bit of a change in scenery, as well, so I’m excited to get stuck in.

“(I had) a few frustrations with my body and the way the past couple of years have panned out with injury and stuff, so I thought I could have a change in scenery.

“I thought it (the Crows’ program) really suited where I am heading as a person and a footballer.

“It will be a great experience. My grandma is a Crows supporter and we have a lot of keen Crows supporters in my family, so I am sure they’ll enjoy seeing me run around in these colours.”

As for what he will bring to the Crows’ SANFL program this year, he highlighted versatility and maturity were two of his biggest strengths. 

“I guess versatility is something that’s a bit of a strength of mine, but I did always enjoy kicking goals, and I played in the SANFL as a forward,” Taheny said.

“I’m keen to get a few (training) sessions under the belt, meet the coaches and let them pave my pathway for me position-wise.

“I think I can add a bit of maturity to the program and just help the people around me.”