2023 Hostplus Adelaide Pocket Profile

SANFL’s ZAC MILBANK breaks down all you need to know about the Crows heading into the 2023 Hostplus SANFL League season.

Saturday March 18
Adelaide 19.9 (123) d Glenelg 12.9 (81) at Thebarton Oval

Sunday March 26
Port v Adelaide at Alberton Oval

Adelaide is already reaping the dual rewards which come with landing the signature of Jack Madgen.

Secured as the Crows’ leadership player for 2023, the former Collingwood defender will not only be used in the backline but around the ground this season.

And the ex-College basketballer from Barossa town Williamstown is also playing a major part in speeding up the development of the youngsters on Adelaide’s list.

”Jack has been really important to us on and off the field,” Adelaide coach Michael Godden said about the 29-year-old.

”He has really wanted to work on his player development skills in helping players away from football. While spending his time in the (United) States playing basketball, he developed a really strong work ethic and knowledge of high-performance sport.

”So he’s been a really great addition for our footy club just to help ensure they have something outside of footy, as well as on the field.

”His ability on the field will be wonderful for us. He can play forward and back, so far he has played forward but he will play wherever the team needs him.”

North Adelaide defender Blayne O’Loughlin came agonisingly close to his Hostplus SANFL League debut last year.

Now, in 2023, he looks set to reach his goal with Adelaide under the SANFL’s Rookie Program.

Under the SANFL Rookie Program, O’Loughlin will train with Adelaide’s SANFL and AFL team during the week, and if not selected in the league team, will return to play with North Adelaide’s reserves.

If not selected in this year’s AFL Draft, the 20-year-old will return to Prospect full-time in 2024.

”Blayne was a part of our Next Generation Academy Program originally so he is a kid who we really like,” Adelaide coach Michael Godden said.

”Training with our AFL and SANFL groups has been great for his development and his preseason has has been really good, as has his trial form.

”His attention to detail as a defender is really good. He has a little bit to learn with his body work but he’s diligent in that space.

”He’s got speed and power and is a tough little fella as well so we have been using him across half-back.”