Rookie-listed ruckman Jack Osborn is set to make his return against South Adelaide after six weeks on the sidelines with a back injury.
The 205cm Tasmanian suffered fractures to two of his vertebrae after landing awkwardly in Adelaide’s Round Two clash with Sturt in the SANFL.
Osborn lucklessly missed Adelaide’s historic first-ever SANFL victory over his former side Central District the following week, but said the team’s breakthrough win had driven the 24-year-old to return bigger and better than ever.
“I would’ve loved to be part of that first win with the boys,” Osborn told afc.com.au
“But the most important thing was for the team to get the win. I was happy for the guys and I’m sure we will get a few more wins under our belt in the near future.”
Osborn joined Adelaide as a ‘Category B’ rookie at the end of 2012 after returning to Australia from a four-year stint with the Adams State University basketball program in the US.
Following an injury-interrupted 2013, which saw Osborn undergo hip surgery early in the season, the former NBL-listed basketballer has been working closely with the Club’s physical performance team to improve his durability.
“I’m just hoping I’m getting my injuries out of the way early so I can have an injury-free career from now on,” Osborn said.
“I’m still developing my body from basketball to football, so I’ve been working pretty hard behind closed doors and I feel like I’m better and stronger than I was before.
“Hopefully, now my body can withstand the rigours of the game a bit more. It’s never nice having an injury but it is part of the game.”
Osborn will provide a big boost to the SANFL Crows against South Adelaide as the Club searches for its second SANFL win of the season.
Led by SANFL State squad ruckman Keegan Brooksby, the Panthers have been in fine form in the local competition. South sit in fourth position on the SANFL ladder with five wins with just the one loss at Noarlunga in 2014.
Osborn said he was eager to make an impact in his return game and help the young SANFL Crows return to the winners circle on Sunday.
“We played South in our final trial game and they showed some great form,” Osborn said.
“You look at their record and it shows that they’ve been playing well.
“No doubt it’s going to be a big game for us. I’m excited to get back down there and give it another crack.”
Crows fans are encouraged to get to the game early as one young Crows fan will be chosen to join the coin toss and meet Adelaide SANFL captain Ian Callinan.
Fans are welcome to join Adelaide players, coaches and staff for the post-match presentations in Jimmy Deane’s following the game. Awards will be announced at half time of Adelaide’s AFL clash with Carlton, which kicks off at 4.10pm local time.
Ticketed Crows members receive free entry to the Club’s SANFL games. Find out more about joining the 19th Man in 2014
