Curtly Hampton hopes to start showing why the Crows recruited him after making a successful comeback from injury in the SANFL.

Hampton, who joined Adelaide from Greater Western Sydney in last year’s trade period, has endured a tough start at his new Club.

The 23-year-old had a slow start to pre-season training because of a lingering groin complaint, and managed only one SANFL trial game before being cruelled by Plantar Fasciitis. After the foot injury failed to heal with a period of rest, Hampton was sent in for surgery.

Unable to play and train properly, the exciting utility set about impressing his new coaches and teammates the only way he could.

“The main thing on my mind when I first got to the Crows was getting the respect of all the boys through my hard work,” Hampton said.

“Unfortunately, I got injured and wasn’t able to do that on the track, so all my efforts went into my rehab. Even though I wasn’t playing, I could still work as hard as possible. I just tried to do that and attack every session. It’s probably the hardest I’ve ever worked, trying to get back to play again.

“I just really wanted to be out there with the boys.”

After another two months on the sidelines, Hampton returned to full training.

The exciting utility played his first game for premiership points as a Crow in the Club’s maiden metropolitan ‘home’ game at Thebarton Oval on Saturday.

Playing across half-back, Hampton collected 15 possessions and took five marks. He also generated two inside 50ms, which both resulted in marks and scoring opportunities for teammates. The former Giant used his trademark sidestep to get through traffic on a couple of occasions, and generated plenty of run.

Hampton pulled up from his SANFL debut well, and is hoping to build on his first-up performance.

“It feels really good to be back. It’s been a long time since that trial match (in February),” he said.

“I’m just happy to get the first game out of the way. I was pretty nervous and anxious during the week, but all the boys made me feel really comfortable.

“To get the win today is even better.”

Scores were level at the 21-minute mark of the last quarter on Saturday.

The Double Blues, who had won 10 straight games to sit atop the SANFL ladder heading into the match, threw everything at the Crows. But a clutch third goal to rookie Keenan Ramsey and then another to midfielder Mitch Grigg got Adelaide over the line.

Hampton praised his team’s ability to close out the game and, in particular, the composure of Ramsey and Grigg in front of goal.

“You see blokes like Griggy and Keenan practice those shots at training,” Hampton said.

“It doesn’t just happen overnight. They work really hard, so to see it come off in a game and at a crucial time like that is really pleasing.”

The win sees Adelaide entrenched in fourth spot on the SANFL ladder.

Hampton was rapt to get the result in a historic game for the Crows.

“Obviously, Sturt are going really well. They’d won 10 games in a row before today and we spoke during the week about how they’re a really good side,” he said.

“We really wanted to come out from the start and get on top. For me to come back in this kind of game, the first game at Thebarton Oval in four years, my first game for the Crows and our first ‘home’ (city) game, it was a pretty big occasion.”

With his first game for the season in the book, Hampton now hopes to find some continuity.

He said it’s too soon to be thinking about an AFL call-up.

“I just want to play every game for the rest of the season whether it be at SANFL level, or if I’m lucky enough to get an opportunity in the AFL side at some stage. I’m not really thinking that far ahead though,” he said.

“I just want to get through week-to-week, get up for each game and play my role for the team. Eventually, I want to start showing everyone what I can do and why the Club recruited me.”