AFTER being tempted to return to Melbourne several times in the early stages of his 149-game career, Adelaide midfielder Brent Reilly says he'll happily see out his playing days as a one-club player.

Reilly played only seven games in his first two seasons at West Lakes after being selected with pick No.12 in the 2001 NAB AFL 'super' Draft.

The Calder Cannons recruit sustained a couple of injuries, including a broken collarbone that derailed his second year at the club, but most detrimental to his football was his attitude.

Reilly was overwhelmed by homesickness, and contemplated a move back to Victoria to be nearer his close-knit family at the end of 2003.

"I didn't really settle in as well as other people do when they go interstate," Reilly admitted.

"I had a lot of homesickness. I wanted to go home every weekend and see my family and friends.

"I really dug a hole for myself and didn't get the best out of myself for the first two years."

The advice and support from his father, Terry, and former skipper Simon Goodwin convinced Reilly to stick it out in Adelaide. When Neil Craig took over as coach from Gary Ayres midway through 2004, the skilful onballer started to flourish.

He played 63 of a possible 65 games between mid-2004 and 2007 until an ankle injury put an end to his remarkable run.

Reilly is now a mainstay in the Crows team, and in the lead up to his 150th game against St Kilda at Etihad Stadium on Friday night said he was happy he persisted through the tough times early in his career.

"It took me a couple of years to settle in and start playing some good footy," he said.

"Every time a contract came up, I always thought about going home. I had some offers to go back home, but I've met some fantastic people here who have really helped me out.

"I didn't want to let them down and I want to be a one-club player."

Reilly has been forced to re-invent himself at least twice in his 10-year career.

Separate wrist and knee injuries limited his opportunities early in 2008, and he struggled to find form on his return from injury, being left out of the team for several games, including the elimination final loss to Collingwood.

With the help of ex-assistant coach Todd Viney he set about transforming himself from a receiver reliant on good supply to a hard-edged midfielder capable of winning his own ball.

"There were a lot of areas of my game that I needed to work on," he said.

"It was more the contested ball and going in first to get more of the hard ball. I was a bit of an outside player.

"I really knuckled down on it and I'm seeing some rewards of that now."

Reilly played 20 of a possible 24 games in 2009, but still didn't feel secure in his position, prompting the decision to establish himself as a tagger in 2010.

The 27-year-old achieved a career-best fourth-place finish in the Crows' best and fairest award last season, playing on stars of the competition including Carlton skipper Chris Judd and Hawthorn's Luke Hodge.

This season, he's playing less of a run-with role and more as an attacking midfielder and clearance winner.

Reilly's contract is up for renewal again at the end of the season, but he's committed to remaining a Crow and is determined to influence any other young players contemplating leaving to stay as well.

"Looking back on it now, it was a good experience to go through and something I can pass on to any of the other interstate players who come in," he said.

"There are about 19 players from Victoria on our list. Myself, Chris Knights and the other blokes who have been through it help the other guys [from interstate] out a lot.

"We offer sound advice about settling in Adelaide … finding a girl is always handy, as I found out.

"We try to get the best out of them. If they want to go home, they can go home but we try and create the best culture at this footy club for them to stay.'

Katrina Gill covers Adelaide news for afl.com.au. Follow her on Twitter: @AFL_KatrinaGill