Adelaide Crows

Crew of young Crows to remain at West Lakes

The trio of 2021 debutants are set to remain under Matthew Nicks’ stewardship 📝.

Published by
Ed Carmine

Youngsters Sam Berry, Brayden Cook and Luke Pedlar have all put pen to paper on deals that will keep them in the the city of churches until the end of 2024.

The trifecta were all selected by the Crows during last year's draft, with each managing to see senior action during their first season at the club.

All three held contracts to remain at West Lakes until the end of next year, but their recommittal beyond that point will no doubt buoy the rebuilding club.

Speaking to the Crows' media department in the wake of his signature, Berry stated he was upbeat about the direction the Matthew Nicks' young group was heading in.

“It was great to get an opportunity to play at AFL level this season and I’m really keen to build on that next year and beyond, and I’m very excited for where this Club is heading,” the former pick 28 said.

ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 07: Sam Berry of the Crows runs with the ball during the 2021 AFL Community Series match between the Adelaide Crows and Port Adelaide Power at Flinders University Stadium on March 07, 2021 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Kalisz/Getty Images)

Having cut his teeth with SANFL outfit Glenelg prior to being selected with the 11th pick of the 2020 draft, Pedlar explained he was thrilled to both remain at home and keep striving towards a place in the eight.

“Obviously the group we’ve got and the culture we’re building is definitely something I want to be a part of, I’ve made some great connections this year settling into the Club and what Nicksy brings I’m all for,” he said.

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Cook was forced to wait until the final stages of the season to earn his place in the seniors, but following a 10 kick effort against rivals Port in the Showdown, the South Australian retained his spot for the year's final fortnight.

The speedy winger expressed how thrilled he was to play a part in shaping the future of his boyhood club.

“I love how close our group is and how much support I’ve had from the older blokes in my first year, I grew up supporting the Club, it feels like home and knowing we are going in the right direction I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else,” he said.

With the highly touted trio locked away for the foreseeable future, Adelaide's General Manager List Management and Strategy Justin Reid was of the view that due to the collective's varied skillset, the future of the football club was in good hands.

“We couldn’t be happier to have Sam, Luke and Brayden all recommit to the Club after their first season,” Reid said.

“All three bring different weapons and attributes to our team, clearly they have talent but they have also shown an appetite for the hard work that is required.

“It’s a credit to the work they have put in since being drafted and the development program in place at the Club that we saw them feature at AFL level this season and we are excited about what the future holds.”

Cook, Pedlar and Berry combined for 22 AFL appearances this season, with the latter earning the most experience with 17.

Adelaide will continue to boost their youth stocks when they head to the draft armed with picks 4, 23 and 35.

Published by
Ed Carmine