AFTER ENDURING a horror 2005, Scott Stevens admits he almostgave up on pursuing a career in the AFL.
The Adelaidebig man underwent a shoulder reconstruction over the pre-season and failed tobreak into the Crows' side during the year.
Fellow utilities Trent Hentschel, Nathan Bock and KenMcGregor were being selected ahead of him and Stevens found himself languishingwith the Port Adelaide Magpies in the SANFL.
Now, just two years later, Stevens has become the poster boyfor taking your opportunities at West Lakes, a trait that will come in handy when ex-Port Adelaide defender BradSymes and former Kangaroo Brad Moran kick-start their careers with the Crows.
Used primarily as a defender, the 25-year-old still managedto creep forward and jag two three-goal hauls on the way to playing every gameof 2007.
Stevens capped off his career-best season by claiming the 'bestteam man' award at the Crows' club champion night.
"I didn't play a game in 2005 and I think out ofeveryone, I had given up on myself the most," Stevens said.
"For the club and the boys to have faith in me andassist me so much has been fantastic."
Adelaide coach Neil Craigsaid Stevens had "turned his career around" since coming to the clubfrom Sydney in2004.
The mild-mannered country boy from Western Australia wasdrafted by the Swans at the age of 17 and played 25 games in the harbour citybefore being moved on to the Crows.
"I was probably a little bit young, upon reflection,"Stevens said of his move to Sydney.
