Brisbane Lions academy product Will Tasker signs with North Adelaide ahead of 2022 SANFL season

His dad was one of the first Crows to pull on the tri-colours and now this son of a gun has returned to SA from Brisbane to play in the SANFL.

Will Tasker in action in the QAFL for Mt Gravatt against Palm Beach. He’ll be looking to continue his impressive performances at SANFL level next year. Picture: Joh Gass

Will Tasker, son of inaugural Adelaide Crow and North Adelaide premiership player Sean Tasker, has returned to SA and signed with the Roosters for the 2022 SANFL season.

The 19-year-old half-forward/winger played junior footy at PHOS Camden and Pulteney Grammar before moving to Queensland and eventually entering the Brisbane Lions’ academy to play under Josh Hunt.

Throughout the last three years he has played for the Mt Gravatt Vultures and also for the Lions reserves in the VFL.

19-year-old forward Will Tasker has returned to SA from Brisbane and joined North Adelaide. Picture: Supplied

Tasker said he was excited for the opportunity to follow in his father’s footsteps and pull on the red and white.

“I’m looking forward to heading back home and playing in what I believe is the best competition in Australia after the AFL with a club which consistently plays finals,” Tasker said.

“The Roosters have a strong sense of community as well which is something that really appeals to me.”

While still young, Tasker believed his experience playing in the VFL and being part of Brisbane’s academy would benefit him at SANFL level.

He said his development was rapid in Queensland.

“I was part of the academy for three years and I had a great experience training with the Lions’ senior group,” Tasker said.

Sean Tasker boots the ball forward for the Crows against Essendon in 1993. Will wants to follow in his old man’s footsteps and enter the AFL.

“Being able to train alongside Lachie Neale and Dayne Zorko gave me great insight into what’s required at the next level and Cam Ellis-Yolmen was also great with taking me under his wing when I arrived for the VFL season.

“I developed significantly in many areas at training and during games.”

North Adelaide, which finished fourth last season before being thrashed by South Adelaide in the first round of the finals, will be looking to make another push for September glory in 2022.

Tasker believed he could provide a boost towards the Roosters’ success on and off the field.

“I’m a player with energy and enthusiasm on and off the field which will suit well with the club. I work hard and am always improving my game,” he said.

“I’m also a flexible player who can play multiple roles within the team.”

Tasker also said he still had aspirations of following his father’s footsteps into the AFL.

“Right now my goal is to perform well for the Roosters and do what I can to contribute to the team having finals success,” he said.

“We’ll then see what happens but I still do have aspirations to achieve my dream of one day playing in the AFL.”

Tasker marks the first signing during what could be a busy off-season for North Adelaide.