Crows SANFL captain Luke Carey has won the prestigious Dean Bailey Award.
Carey led Adelaide admirably in 14 SANFL matches in his first season as skipper.
The 26-year-old regularly opposed some of the best tall forwards in the competition, yet rarely had his colours lowered. The key defender averaged 12 disposals, five marks and three tackles per game and also ranked fourth in Adelaide’s SANFL side for total spoils (44).
Carey played in his first SANFL final this year and also kicked his maiden goal as a Crow in the Elimination Final victory over Central District.
He’s played 27 games overall since joining Adelaide’s SANFL development program last season.
Vice-captain at the Echunga Football Club, the left-footer is a two-time premiership player and best and fairest winner with the Demons and played seven games in the Hills Football League this season.
Carey also carried himself with great distinction off the field this year. A natural leader, Carey played a pivotal role in helping Adelaide’s development squad acclimatise to the demands of League football.
“It’s great recognition for Luke,” Crows SANFL coach Heath Younie said.
“He’s been a strong contributor this season and is a fantastic person to have as part of our Club.
“Luke embraced the role as our new SANFL skipper this year and always has the team’s best interests at heart. That’s key in any leadership role.
“He is a deserved recipient of this award.”
Adelaide was well served at SANFL level by a number of talented footballers from across the state through its development program.
Carey, Scott Spriggs, Dylan Schoenmakers, Trent Heffernan and Matthew Leigh were among 13 players from the Club’s development squad who represented the SANFL Crows in 2016 for a combined total of 76 matches. Five played their first games for the Club with two of those also making their SANFL debut this year.
The Dean Bailey Award was coined in honour of the late Strategy and Innovations coach as a tribute to his passion for nurturing young footballers. The award is presented to the season’s best development player, assessing on-field performance, dedication to training and overall commitment to the team.
Matthew Spencely earned the honour last season while Mannum’s Michael O’Malley won the inaugural Dean Bailey Award in 2014.
See the complete list of past Club award winners
Adelaide’s SANFL development players – Season 2016
Luke Carey – 14 matches
Scott Spriggs – 14 matches
Dylan Schoenmakers – 12 matches
Trent Heffernan – 10 matches
Matthew Leigh – Eight matches
Mitchell Minns – Three matches
Josh Wittwer – Three matches
Matthew Spencely – Three matches
Brock Castree – Three matches
Matthew Johncock – Two matches
Wade Hancock – Two matches
Dylan Ribbons – One match
Tyson Lindsay – One match
