Adelaide has assembled an impressive pool of development players as preparations begin for the Crows’ second season in the SANFL.
The Club sifted through 280 applications during the offseason and narrowed down the list to 60 players from local and country clubs across the state.
The squad has been training at Adelaide’s West Lakes base over the past fortnight, with a roster of approximately 25 players to be retained post-Christmas.
Crows SANFL coach Heath Younie says the squad has already shown promising signs on the track.
“I think we are in a much better position with the depth of talent compared to 12 months ago,” Younie said.
“We’ve been really pleased with how many players want to be involved and there’s been some genuine talent on show already.
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“It’s also fantastic to see several players with SANFL experience show their interest in returning to the competition.”
Gawler Central duo Daniel Stanley and Charlie Molyneux are two players with such pedigree.
Stanley previously played for Port Magpies and Molyneux represented Central District before both made their way to the Barossa, Light and Gawler Football Association. The pair helped Gawler Central to this year’s BLGFA premiership, with Stanley claiming the Schluter Medal as the league’s best and fairest player.
Under SANFL rules, Adelaide can only recruit players who have not played a SANFL league match in the past 18 months.
“If we can bring some of these types of players back to the SANFL, I think it’s only going to benefit the competition,” Younie said.
“It’s just another avenue for young guys to earn that opportunity.”
Murray Bridge defender Sam Pfeiffer and Goodwood Saints forward Addison Burns, who played four games apiece with the SANFL Crows this year, will continue for a second season.
Tyson Davis-Neale, Matt Thompson and Dean Bailey Award winner Michael O’Malley are weighing up work commitments, while left-footer Will Paynter and Uraidla tall Tom Kluvanek have signed with Sturt for 2015.
“That’s another one of the positives of our program,” Younie said.
“If we can play some small part in helping young players to pursue a league football career, it can only benefit the competition.
“It’s great to see talent get noticed.”
Younie said the ultimate goal of the development scheme was to nurture a youngster through to the highest level.
“For us, we hope to one day uncover a player who could potentially earn his way onto our AFL rookie list.
“It’d be a great story for the program and our Club as a whole.”
Seventeen development-listed players made their SANFL league debuts with the Crows last season.
Adelaide notched seven SANFL wins and finished in eighth position in 2014.
