Neil Craig says he will never forget two significant phone calls during his 14-year journey at the Adelaide Football Club.

The first was in 1996 when he was driving on Unley Road and John Reid called to appoint him Fitness Specialist Coach of the Crows.

“It enabled me to be part of back-to-back premierships and spend three years under the Messiah, Malcolm Blight, who had a great influence on the way I think about football,” Craig said.

The second was in August, 2004, this time when he was on Anzac Highway and Bill Sanders asked him to come into the Club the following morning when he would be appointed Senior Coach.

“How lucky was I? I get the chance to coach a fantastic group of players, some are considered the great champions of the Adelaide Football Club. It provided me with so many great memories involving players, staff, supporters and some really special games.

“And because of the nature of the job I learnt so much more about myself and life in particular.”

But the phone call that meant the most to him came nine years after he left when in November, 2020, then Chairman Rob Chapman called Craig to say he would be awarded life membership.

“What an honour and a privilege,” Craig said during his acceptance speech at the Club’s annual corporate event on Thursday night.

“Since leaving Adelaide, I’ve worked at a number of football clubs in Melbourne, but this phone call from Rob is the most important because it provides me with a gift, and the gift is a gift of belonging, a sense of belonging to the Adelaide Football Club.

“So whilst life membership is recognition of individual contribution and service to the Club, the reality is it’s just another example of this Club still doing things for me, and giving to me.

“All I can say to John (Olsen) and the Board is I’m extremely honoured and thank you very much.”

Craig, who remains Adelaide’s longest serving Senior Coach, had a closing message to the Club’s current coaches Matthew Clarke and Matthew Nicks.

“To the women’s team – I love the way you play, I love your passion and competitive spirit,” he said.

“To Matthew Nicks and his team – I’m sure you’ve prepared well and trained hard, I certainly enjoyed watching your grit and determination last year and look forward to your continued improvement in 2021.