Corey Davey in career-best form to lead Solomontown on quest for second straight flag

A former Adelaide Crow and reigning Mail Medallist has emerged as one of SA country footy’s top players as he leads his club on a historic quest for consecutive premierships.

A former Adelaide Crow has started the 2023 local SA footy season in historic fashion as he leads his country club on a charge for a historic second straight premiership.

Reigning Spencer Gulf FL Mail Medallist and champion Solomontown midfielder Corey Davey has averaged nearly 4o touches and two goals a game through his first four appearances this year.

The 25-year-old onballer – who played 15 SANFL League games for the Crows as a halfback from 2017-18, winning the Dean Bailey Award – has seen his production increase drastically since making the position change at the Cats.

“When I played with Adelaide I played mostly backline and a bit of ruck due to my height but once I got back to Solomontown they said they wanted to put me in the middle because I had got fitter,” Davey said.

“It was pretty new for me but I’ve enjoyed it and I guess being recognised as the league best and fairest last season was a result of the work I’ve done in the middle and a huge honour.”

Davey fights for the ball during his time at Adelaide. Picture: Matt Loxton

Davey played his junior footy at hometown club Solomontown, based in Port Pirie, but would spend time with North Adelaide and Adelaide in the SANFL, and Broadview in the Adelaide Footy League – who he was runner-up best and fairest with in 2020 – before cementing himself as a star at the Cats.

The triple Solomontown best and fairest said the experience of playing for a range of clubs had helped him to become the player he was now.

“It was definitely a bit of a task driving from Pirie and back again,” Davey said.

“The experience of having played for those clubs and always training at a high level has definitely helped though.”

Davey takes a hanger against North Adelaide’s Max Thring. Picture: Calum Robertson

The Cats were dominant last season with Davey at his best, the star’s side finally winning a premiership – defeating Proprietary/Risdon 79-64 – after finishing runner-up in the four previous years.

He said the win had motivated the club to go again this year and win two straight for the first time in its history.

“The flag last year was just huge for us having lost so many chances before.

“To achieve that with the same sort of crew, local lads who had come through, and to do it for the coaches, fans and volunteers, it was really special.

Davey with Max Bickley (father of Mark Bickley) after winning the 2022 Madigan (Mail) Medal. Picture: Supplied

Davey and his Solomontown side celebrate their 2022 flag. Picture: Solomontown Football Club

“We’ve never gone back-to-back so we’ve set that as our goal this season and we’ve put ourselves in a strong position again.”

The Cats have won three of their first four games this season, losing to Proprietary/Risdon and defeating South Augusta, West Augusta and Port.

While Davey said the competition had become stronger and more even in the pre-season, he backed his side to go deep again.

“It’s a lot more even this year and it’s tough across all ranks, you can never underestimate anyone.

“We’ve been looking really positive this year though – we’ve had good numbers at training and we’ve done a lot of work with our fitness to bump that up from last year, which has definitely helped.

“There’s a lot more left to play out but we’re confident.”