Adelaide SANFL recruit Ned Atkinson says following in his father’s footsteps played a key role in his decision to join the Club’s SANFL program in 2025.
Atkinson’s father Brodie lined up in five AFL games for the Crows in 1999, and was a decorated player in the SANFL in the 1990’s, playing 222 games for Sturt and North Adelaide, and winning a Magarey Medal.
The 18-year-old made the move to West Lakes in the off-season, having spent the past four seasons climbing the junior ranks at Sturt.
Speaking to AFC Media, Atkinson said the Crows always held a special place in his heart.
“To be able to pull on the same colours as Dad did all those years ago, it is very special,” Atkinson said.
“Carrying on that legacy he created is something very important to me, so when the opportunity came to come here, that definitely played a big role in the decision.
“I’ve been a Crows supporter my whole life, so to be here now in the position to pull on the guernsey, it’s a surreal feeling and I cannot wait to put my head down and get to work.”
Despite being just 18 years of age, Atkinson has already experienced a lot through his football journey.
From representing his state and under-18 level, to captaining Sacred Heart’s senior team, he said those experiences had helped mold him into a player ready to make the jump to League football.
“I started my juniors out at Westies after being zoned there, before moving over to Sturt to follow in Dad’s footsteps again,” Atkinson said.
“I also did a couple of years of school footy at Sacred Heart, which was great, I absolutely loved the footy and culture at Sacred Heart and I took a lot from that program.
“I feel like I’ve learned a lot from my journey through juniors, which will put me in great stead as I embark on senior footy.”
Development will be at the forefront of Atkinson’s focus, as he acclimates to the demands of senior footy.
He said being able to use the facilities and leaning on the high performance personnel at the Club would help him fast track his development, as he eyed a League debut in 2025.
“It is really exciting (to be within the four walls of an AFL Club), to be able to use all the facilities and get around the AFL program, I will be able to take lots out of it,” Atkinson said.
“Knowing that there is an opportunity to play some league games next year is really motivating for me.
“I’ll take every opportunity I can with this, to tap into the knowledge of the senior boys and get the most out of it. I understand just how privileged I am to be part of a program like this and the benefits it will have on my development moving forward.”
Adelaide will begin its 2025 SANFL campaign against West Adelaide at Hisense Stadium on Saturday, March 29.
