Dean Bailey Award winner Matthew Spencely and key defender Luke Carey will return for a second season with Adelaide’s SANFL development squad.

Spencely played every game for the SANFL Crows in 2015 and finished fourth in the team’s best and fairest count. Former Port Magpie Carey was fifth in the award, just six votes adrift of Spencely despite missing five matches.

The duo heads a host of familiar names among a list of approximately 80 players who will begin training with the Club on Wednesday, November 25.

Josh Wittwer, Nick Mott and Charlie Molyneux have flagged their desire to play on with the SANFL Crows next year. Others invited back for a second season include Matthew Johncock, Dylan Schoenmakers, Ben O’Donohue and Dylan Ribbons.

Inaugural development squad members Sam Pfeiffer, Justin Smart, Matthew Wilson and Addison Burns will also continue training with the Crows.

Matthew Stent, Tyson Lindsay and Myles Warmington - who played one game with Adelaide’s SANFL team in its inaugural season - have all received invitations.

Head of Development and Crows SANFL Coach Heath Younie said it was pleasing to see so many players re-apply for Season 2016.

“I think it’s a great reflection on the program and the Club in general,” Younie said.

“The players have really bought in and embraced the culture we’re trying to build at the Club, so to have a number of them return for a second or even a third season is outstanding.

“They know how each other plays, they know the way we like to play, and they know the standards we expect at training and during games.

“It should hold us in good stead for next season.”

The Club received over 300 initial applications from players hailing from local and country clubs across the state.

As in previous years, the development list will be reduced progressively over the summer to a final training squad of approximately 30 players.

Jake Sutcliffe will not be part of next year’s squad after signing on with Norwood. The defender made his League debut in Adelaide’s season-opener against North Adelaide and played six games for the SANFL Crows.

Former Central District midfielder Brock Castree, who played eight games with the Crows this year, has also committed to another SANFL club.

Younie said he wished the pair all the best for the future. 

“In many ways, that’s what our development program is all about,” Younie said.

“Our program is a unique pathway into the SANFL system. It allows young players earn an opportunity to chase their dreams and either start or re-ignite an SANFL career.

“It’s quite rewarding to see guys go after those dreams. We give them our best regards.”