Development player Luke Carey will captain Adelaide’s SANFL team this season.
Carey, 25, assumes the mantle from the retiring Ian Callinan, who led the side in the Club’s first two SANFL seasons.
A 193cm, 99kg key defender, Carey played 13 SANFL games last year and finished fifth in Adelaide’s State League Club Champion award despite missing five matches. He also ranked third in the side for total spoils and rebound 50ms.
Originally from Streaky Bay, the left-footer is a two-time premiership player and best and fairest winner at Echunga Football Club. He’s also vice-captain of the Demons.
Carey is among Adelaide’s most experienced development players in the current squad, having previously played 10 SANFL games in a four-year stint with the Port Adelaide Magpies.
“It’s a great story for Luke, and for our football club,” SANFL coach Heath Younie said.
“Luke’s a reliable performer on the field, and a natural leader off of it.
“He made a big impact for us immediately last year and became such an important player that he ended up playing the majority of the season. He’s continued to set those standards over the summer.
“We’re comfortable he can fulfill the role for us in the SANFL this season.”
While Carey will carry the official title as Adelaide’s SANFL skipper, Younie expects all his players to shoulder leadership responsibility.
“Everyone’s a leader at our footy club,” he said.
“It doesn’t matter how old you are, what experience you have or what position you play, we expect all our players to be leaders. We want everyone who pulls on our jumper at AFL or SANFL level to feel responsible for making the Club better.
“Luke has demonstrated these characteristics.”
Carey said it was a privilege to be selected for the role.
“I’m honoured and excited by the opportunity,” he said.
“Leadership comes naturally to me. A big part of my role will be to help our development players gel with the listed players as quickly as possible.
“I’m looking forward to the challenge and can’t wait for the season to start.”
Adelaide plays its opening SANFL trial of the season on Saturday morning from 10am at Alberton Oval against the Magpies. Entry to the trial is free.
The Club’s SANFL premiership season begins on the same day as the Crows’ AFL campaign on Saturday, March 26 against West Adelaide.
