A former Crow put in a good word, but Paul Seedsman’s decision to join Adelaide was his own.
Seedsman grew up in Melbourne’s south-eastern suburb of Rowville alongside close mate and former Crows rookie Dylan Orval. They played junior football together, were classmates at Caulfield Grammar and shared a passion for all things Collingwood.
Ongoing shoulder and knee injuries stifled Orval’s two-year stint at West Lakes and he returned to his home state after being delisted by the Club at the end of Season 2013. Orval then reunited with Seedsman the following year playing with the Magpies’ VFL team.
Seedsman sounded out his lifelong friend when considering Adelaide’s offer during the AFL Trade Period. While Orval was glowing in his praise of the Club, Seedsman said he made up his own mind to become a Crow.
“He (Orval) didn't have much of a role in the decision-making,” Seedsman said.
“The only thing I took from him was that he loved the Club, the town, and the two years he spent here.
“Apart from that, he didn't want to get involved too much as he knew he'd be bias towards Adelaide!”
Originally selected with pick No.76 in the 2010 AFL National Draft, Seedsman played 49 games across four seasons with Collingwood.
The dashing defender/wingman played 12 senior games in the black and white this year and won the Anzac Medal for his best-on-ground performance against Essendon in Round Four, where he amassed 31 possessions, 14 inside 50ms and kicked a goal.
Seedsman’s great grandfather, Jim Sharp, was also a notable Magpies figure. Sharp played 18 games at Collingwood, served for over a decade as club president and was later awarded Life Membership.
Seedsman admitted it was a difficult call to leave the Magpies, but the 23-year-old is already confident he’ll be right at home in Crows colours.
“It was really tough. I never saw myself playing for another club,” he said.
“I had a lot of really strong friendships at Collingwood and it's well documented that I loved the club my whole life.
“In saying that, it was the right time to move on.
“I'm excited to start a new chapter at another great club like Adelaide. The first meeting I had with the Crows really impressed me with what the Club had to offer and it stuck with me right the way through.
“One of the pull factors was how good this Club is and its supporters as well. I'm also yet to play at Adelaide Oval, so I'm looking forward to that.
“I'm super excited and can't wait to get started.”
Seedsman seems a perfect fit for Adelaide on and off the field. He already knows many of Adelaide’s current playing squad, including Brad Crouch, Cam Ellis-Yolmen and Mitch Grigg. He also met new Crows coach Don Pyke just before jetting off for an offseason holiday in America.
“I only got to meet him briefly before I went away, but straight away I felt comfortable with him,” Seedsman said.
“He’s very genuine and knows the game inside and out. He's going to be a great acquisition for the footy club.”
Seedman’s height, speed and elite skills fit Pyke’s blueprint for developing versatile footballers.
“Wing/half-back is where I've played a lot of my footy, but I wouldn't mind playing forward of the ball and kicking a couple either!
“I'm hoping to slot in on the wing. But we will just have to see what ‘Pykey’ thinks.”
Pumped to be apart of @Adelaide_FC thanks for the opportunity and honoured to pull on the colours. Can't wait to get into it! #weflyasone
— Paul Seedsman (@paulseed40) October 19, 2015
