North Adelaide champion Campbell Combe returns to Crystal Brook

A star Magarey Medallist and five-time club champion has signed for a local SA footy club ahead of season 2025 after announcing his SANFL retirement this week.

Campbell Combe has joined Crystal Brook. Picture: Tom Huntley

A star Magarey Medallist has joined a local club for the 2025 season after retiring from SANFL League football.

Five-time North Adelaide Barrie Robran Club Champion Campbell Combe has returned to hometown club Crystal Brook ahead of next Northern Areas Football Association season.

The star onballer retired from the SANFL this week after playing 118 League games for North Adelaide during which he appeared in two grand finals, won a Magarey Medal, five consecutive club Best and Fairests from 2020 to 2024 and was also named in four Teams of the Year.

“It was a very difficult decision,” the 29-year-old said.

2020 Magarey Medal winner Campbell Combe on his Crystal Brook farm. Picture: Tom Huntley

“Doing all the travel from Crystal Brook, I’ve been taking it year-by-year but going into this year I thought it would probably be my last.

“It was still a tough call because I love the North Adelaide Football Club and all its people so much.

“I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity they’ve given me – I’ve made lifelong connections and friendships and got to play in two grand finals (2020 and 2022) which was a highlight even though the results didn’t fall our way.”

Combe will play alongside star brother Will at Crystal Brook.

He said the plan was always to return to his hometown club after retiring.

Combe in action for North Adelaide. Picture: Sarah Reed

“The plan was always to come back and finish my career at my junior club which is something I’m excited about,” Combe said.

“Will being back here is a big part of it and I haven’t played with him since the 2022 grand final.

“The club is where I found my love of football and I’ve got so many great memories there so I hope I can give back to a club that has given me so much.”

Crystal Brook finished fourth with a 9-7 record in the NAFA this year and were ultimately eliminated in the first round of finals.

The club is the most successful in the competition’s history but has not won a premiership since 2018.

Campbell and Will Combe will join forces for Crystal Brook next year. Picture: Mark Brake

Combe hoped he could help the Roosters to their 24th flag next season.

“The league is known for having a really strong, contested brand of football and is in really good shape so it promises to be a very even competition next year,” he said.

“Like most teams would be ahead of next year, I’m optimistic that if we can put in a really strong pre-season we’ll give ourselves every chance at achieving success.

“It’s going to require a lot of hard work but I have a lot of belief in the group.

“I’m also keen to help develop some of the younger players – the club has so much young talent coming through and I’m excited by the prospect of working alongside them.”