Young Crow Wayne Milera Junior says it was a “surreal” experience running out in his first Showdown on Saturday afternoon.
The game was only Milera’s second at AFL level following his Round One debut against North Melbourne. It was also the 18-year-old’s first ‘home’ game for the Club that he grew up supporting.
Milera played on Adelaide Oval during Central District’s SANFL finals campaign last year, but said getting his first Crows win in front of 51, 585 screaming fans in Showdown XL was something else.
“It was pretty surreal and full on. There were so many people it was ridiculous!” he said.
“It was good to run out in front of our fans. They were really loud.”
Far from overawed by the big Showdown stage, Milera showed great composure in his second AFL outing.
The wingman/half-forward collected 20 possessions at 85 per cent efficiency, and generated four inside 50ms. He was also involved in seven Adelaide scores including his first AFL goal.
Mentor Eddie Betts helped set-up the memorable moment, chipping the ball across his body to Milera who ran hard to take the mark and strolled into an open goal.
“Eddie looked after me,” Milera said.
“I saw him look at me out the corner of his eye.
“I was lucky enough to get the first snag, which was good and also was good from Eddie.”
However, Milera’s passage of play across half-back in the second quarter will probably stick in the minds of fans even more.
The No.11 draft pick marked the ball in Adelaide’s defensive half and, seemingly out of options, was called to play on.
Instead of bombing the ball blindly, the teenager baulked Power 100-gamer Jackson Trengove on the mark, arched his back and accelerated. He took a few settling steps before kicking a near-50 metre pass to Rory Sloane, who dished off to Josh Jenkins for his third goal.
“I got stuck a bit,” Milera said of the play.
“I was just trying to kick the ball long to ‘Tex’ & ‘JJ’, but thought I couldn’t get it that far (unless I played on).”
Of Milera’s 20 possessions, 16 were uncontested. He also took nine marks and two running bounces as Adelaide transitioned the ball with speed from defence to attack.
Milera said it was a good team performance.
“We moved the ball real well, nice and quick, which is what Pykey wants us to do,” he said.
“Our defence was pretty good, but there’s still some stuff to work on.
“Now, we’re looking forward to next week against Richmond.”