Exciting midfielder Sam Kerridge has followed in the footsteps of Patrick Dangerfield, Jason Porplyzia and David Mackay in winning the Mark Bickley Award at the Crows Club Champion presentation.

The award recognises the achievements of a first or second-year player on and off the field.

Originally from Mildura, Kerridge was recruited from the Bendigo Pioneers with Adelaide’s first pick (No.27 overall) in the 2011 AFL National Draft.

The mature-bodied onballer made a quick transition to his first AFL pre-season, impressing with his all-round athleticism. He showed off his strong fitness base by setting the best pre-Christmas time in the five-minute run and didn’t take long to surpass some of his more experienced teammates with the amount of weight he could lift in the gym.

Kerridge made his AFL debut against Hawthorn at the MCG in Round Three, receiving a late call-up and starting the game as the substitute. He only played limited game time, but Crows fans got a glimpse of his strong work in close and speed out of the stoppage.

“Running out onto the ‘G’ for the first time was outstanding,” he said.

“I would’ve been happy to sit on the bench the whole game, but to get out there and get a few touches was fantastic.”

The 188cm, 86kg, athlete spent the rest of the year with SANFL club, Sturt, where he enjoyed a consistent first season at senior level.

“It was fantastic to get the opportunity against Hawthorn. I wouldn’t say it was frustrating not being able to get back in the Crows side,” Kerridge said.

“I enjoyed watching the boys do well. I just have to keep working hard and my time will come.”