Alex Barnstorms his way to 100 games

By ZAC MILBANK

When North Adelaide’s Alex Barns made his League debut at Alberton Oval he initially hoped he would play his 100th Statewide Super League game Queen Street.

That’s because it was the first of his two senior appearances for the Magpies in 2013 before he made the move to Prospect at the start of 2014.

Despite playing the past 98 matches with the Roosters, the premiership utility will ironically reach triple figures at Port’s home ground on Saturday.

Speaking on SANFL Radio, Barns said the venue always held a special place in his heart considering he also grew up watching games there while also booting a career-high eight goals against Port in Round 8 of 2018.

But the 28-year-old won’t be giving an inch to his old Magpies, considering his beloved North outfit needs to string together two wins in succession for the first time this season.

Spending the majority of his time in the ruck this season, Barns has also shown off his attacking flair inside 50m during his 99-game career, including the big stage of the 2018 SANFL Grand Final.

Booting four goals in the historic win against Norwood at Adelaide Oval, North’s No.4 rates his fourth major as his most memorable as it not only went through on a lucky bounce but also sealed victory in the final term.

It all led to his most cherished moment in footy, when he was able to embrace brother Chris, who won a Reserves premiership earlier in the day, his dad John and Mum Nikki after the final siren.