Tom Sparrow’s Demons premiership win reverberates throughout Adelaide Hills football

It’s not just Melbourne fans basking in the success of their team. Tom Sparrow’s first club, Bridgewater Callington, says the impact of his win on them and the Adelaide Hills community can’t be understated.

South Australian Tom Sparrow achieved his dream of winning an AFL premiership on Saturday, but it wasn’t just Melbourne fans in his corner.

The Bridgewater Callington Football Club – where Sparrow first pulled on the boots – and fans and players of Adelaide Hills football all felt a sense of pride as one of their own lifted the cup.

Bridgewater Callington president Simon Bryars, who coached Sparrow, now 21, during his years at the Raiders and played countless games with his father Michael, was over the moon with his old player’s achievement.

Demon Tom Sparrow celebrates with the premiership cup after the 2021 AFL Grand Final. Picture: Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images

“It’s really special. It was a bit emotional seeing him win but just a really proud moment because we’ve never had a junior come through and end up playing in an AFL premiership,” Bryars said.

“It’s something really rare in Hills football, it’s huge.”

For those close to Sparrow, the result was never in doubt, with the midfielder-forward experiencing success wherever he’s gone throughout his young career.

Sparrow was a hardworking player full of promise at Bridgewater Callington. Picture: Supplied, Michael Sparrow

Having coached Sparrow during his junior football years, Bryars said he witnessed first hand the unrelenting work ethic which has now seen him become an AFL premiership player.

“Seeing him when he first started out, he was pretty raw and there were probably some kids who were more naturally gifted than he was, but what stood out right from the beginning was his unbelievable drive and work ethic,” he said.

“On top of that he showed a great ability to learn and he was just a brilliant kid – he was respectful, never got big headed, and was always team-first.

Tom Sparrow (middle) before an under 11s game at Bridgewater Callington. Picture: Supplied

“He’s only just started in the AFL really. The way he learns, he’ll be a star in a few year’s time.”

Sparrow will return to the club where it all began on October 8 for its best and fairest night.

Bryars said the club had been inspired by his achievement and was eager to welcome him back.

“It’s already had a massive impact here,” he said.

“It shows the kids they can make it from a small club in the Hills if they’ve got the drive and the dream.

Supplied by Bridgewater FC

“It’s going to be a great night for us to celebrate. We were able to start him off on his journey and we’re really proud of that.”

Sparrow’s family – which has now returned to SA after celebrating the win in Perth – is also looking forward to welcoming him back home.

His father, Michael – a 300-game player for Bridgewater Callington – is still coming to terms with the result.

“To be honest, it hasn’t sunk in yet, we’re still pinching ourselves,” he said.

Sparrow celebrates his Grand Final goal with Jack Viney. Picture: Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images

“We were pretty flat at halftime when the Dogs were up but they flicked a switch in the third quarter and seeing that run home and Tom kick a big goal as well was fantastic – the best feeling ever.

“It’s one of the biggest highlights of our lives and we’re just super proud of the footy player and young man Tom has become.”