In 2014, Douglas Hadden played alongside Norm Smith medallist Ryan O’Keefe for the Sydney Swans reserves in the NEAFL.
Four years later, he is in another state being coached by his former teammate.
When State League coach O’Keefe learned Hadden had moved to Adelaide from the Harbour City, he invited the now SANFL Development Squad member to the Club.
“Ryan called me late last year and straight away it sounded like he would be pretty keen to give me an opportunity to come down and do some training sessions,” Hadden said.
“It sounded like he definitely remembered me from Swans days and that I had made a good impression there.
“I was really keen as well, it was good to get the opportunity.”
Originally from Adelaide, Hadden lived near Norwood Oval when he was younger and often went to Redlegs games and was part of their junior system.
After moving to Sydney, he started in the Swans Academy and moved through the age groups until Under 18’s, before playing over 40 games for the Swans reserves.
At the beginning of 2017, Hadden moved back to Adelaide with the motivation of doing something he has always wanted to do.
“When I was living in Adelaide, I always admired SANFL players and I always wanted to play SANFL,” Hadden said.
“The NEAFL is definitely a good competition and very well-respected, but there’s a lot of kids running around.
“It’s definitely a massive step up in the SANFL, I believe it is the premier State League in the country.”
Hadden demonstrating his trademark tackling pressure.
Last year, Hadden played for Sturt’s reserves for most of the season, before joining the Crows squad in 2018.
Against his old club last weekend, he kicked four goals and was named the Crows’ best player, after also kicking four against Norwood in Round Five.
Only Ben Davis (13), Elliott Himmelberg and Michael McMahon (both 10) have kicked more goals than Hadden this season.
Despite being the only player to kick four goals or more for the SANFL Crows this year, Hadden’s position in the team is cemented around his pressure and tackling.
“It’s not too bad being able to get onto a few, but from the chats I’ve had with Ryan, the emphasis on my game is pretty much the pressure and tackling side, which he sees most valuable and my weapon,” Hadden said.
“He says that if you get on the end of one or two and hit the scoreboard, that’s just a bonus.”
Hadden believes being involved with the Club and guided by O’Keefe has led to his best year of football so far.
“I think this is the year I have enjoyed most out of my football, being able to feel a part of the Adelaide Crows, to be involved in their training sessions and playing with AFL players week in, week out,” Hadden said.
“I’ve had a big influence from Ryan O’Keefe, the way he wants me to play and the type of player I am developing into.
“I feel like I have been able to take my game up a level.”
The SANFL Crows return to The Parade on Saturday afternoon for their Round 13 clash with Norwood.
