Sam Pfeiffer typifies what Adelaide’s SANFL development program is all about.
The no-fuss defender from the Murray Bridge Ramblers has played 12 games for the Crows in his second year on Adelaide’s SANFL development list.
Pfeiffer isn’t a flashy performer who immediately catches the eye, but rather a reliable role player who epitomises the Club’s team-first culture.
Standing 191cm and 86kg, the 25-year-old has been trusted with minding some of the SANFL’s most dangerous forwards this season, including Sturt spearhead Michael Coad, former Gold Coast Sun Jacob Gillbee of Central District, and ex-Crow Lewis Johnston.
Pfeiffer has rarely had his colours lowered however, despite regularly fighting above his weight division and giving away many games of League experience. His sheer competitiveness is justified in that he leads Adelaide for spoils and is No.9 in tackles despite missing two SANFL games.
Pfeiffer was once again an important contributor in Adelaide’s first-ever win over Norwood on Saturday, collecting 11 possessions, five marks and three tackles on patrol across half-back.
But it was his performance against West Adelaide the week prior which truly demonstrated his commitment to the Club.
The Ramblers’ co-captain suited up for his local team in the River Murray Football League and helped lead the side to an 86-point victory over Jervois on Saturday. But Sam Shaw’s late inclusion to Adelaide’s AFL team left a hole in the SANFL Crows’ backline the following day that had to be filled.
Pfeiffer didn’t hesitate when asked if he could lace up the boots for the second time in 48 hours.
“I’m always happy to play for the Crows,” Pfeiffer said.
“I got the call just before my game on Saturday with the Ramblers, but it was too late for me to just pull out.
“We tried to limit my game time but I still ended up playing nearly a full match. Luckily, we weren’t under the pump the whole game and I got through it unscathed.”
Pfeiffer, who was runner-up in the Rambers’ best and fairest count despite playing four games with Adelaide last season, recorded just four marks and seven disposals against the Bloods in another solid lockdown role in defence.
But it was his effort to simply make it onto the field that was lauded by coaches and teammates alike.
“I just tried to play my role and do what the coaches ask of me,” he said.
“But I was pretty sore Monday morning!”
Adelaide has enjoyed a recent resurgence in the SANFL, winning five of its last seven matches including the last three consecutive games.
The quality of Adelaide’s development squad is just one of the reasons behind the Club’s improved form. Young talents including Pfeiffer, Matthew Spencely, Luke Carey and Josh Wittwer have all become important contributors to the team’s success.
“I really enjoyed my first year here, but we’ve probably got a better core group of development players this year and we’ve gelled together really well,” Pfeiffer said.
“We understand the game plan that bit better and the coaches made a point of drilling that into us really early in the pre-season.”
The former Sturt junior, who played two League games with the Double Blues in 2011, said he’s become a better player since joining the Crows.
“I’ve improved a lot - mainly with my one-on-one contests,” he said.
“I really pride myself on my one-on-ones and not getting beat too often or easily.
“My marking has also become a bit of a strength for me. Now I feel like I’m pretty strong in the air, so I try to use that to my advantage.”
Pfeiffer says he’s still undecided where his long-term football future might take him.
“I need to sit down and have a good think about what I want to do with my footy next year,” he said.
“I haven’t really made up my mind if I want to pursue an SANFL career or stay at my country club.”
For now, Pfeiffer is simply happy to be part of the Club’s football family.
