Ex-Crow Ian Callinan looks back draft at selection as a mature-age recruit
Former Adelaide Crows and SANFL star Ian Callinan reflects on his long journey to the AFL following initial draft rejection in 2000.
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The 2000 AFL Draft looked as if it would be the start of a long career at the top for Tasmanian talent Ian Callinan.
He had won selection in the under 18 All-Australian team as the forward pocket and was in the TAC Cup team of the year in the midfield.
Looking back 19 years ago and despite not being selected, Callinan counted himself lucky.
“It was extremely disappointing and when it doesn’t happen, it’s hard,” he said.
“But something I learned pretty quickly was that I had to move on and play the best footy I can.
“I was pretty lucky in the end, as Tasmania had a side in the VFL for the first time the next year.
“For me, it was exciting to have that opportunity as Tassie hadn’t had a side in the VFL before and I got to play at a reasonable level as a young age.”
Callinan would go on to play 109 games and kicked 153 goals for the Tasmanian Devils and claim the J. J. Liston Trophy as the VFL’s best and fairest.
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Despite many accolades between 2001 and 2006, the AFL never came calling for the talented forward and he doubted whether it would ever come.
“There were times I thought it’d never happen,” he said.
“But for me, it was about playing the best footy I could wherever I was.”
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Callinan then made the move to South Australia and joined powerhouse Central District, an opportunity which arose in 2005 when he first spoke to the Bulldogs.
“It was probably the best times of my life (at Elizabeth),” he said.
“I didn’t really move to South Australia to get drafted, it was more that I played 100 games in the VFL and my wife and I thought it was a good opportunity to move and try something different.
“I didn’t come until 2006 however, as I wanted to get my 100 games in the VFL.”
Callinan’s VFL form continued as he crossed the border and played a starring role in the Bulldogs’ four flags from 2007-10.
After winning two best and fairests with Central District and a Jack Oatey Medal as best on ground in the 2010 decider, the Crows came calling.
“The lead up was funny really, I got a call from a good mate of mine Hamish Ogilvie, who is the recruiting officer at the Crows,” he said.
“He rang me on the Wednesday after the grand final and he said (then Crows coach) Neil Craig wanted to have a chat and I honestly thought he was taking the mickey out of me.
“I spoke to ‘Craigy’ and he said if I got through training during the pre-season, there’s a good chance I’d get picked up.”
A then 28-year-old Callinan was scooped up by the Crows with Pick 64 of the rookie draft, a chance he took with both hands.
“I didn’t think I’d play AFL (at that age), the biggest thing was that I thought I could play at the level,” he said.
“It’s more about getting the opportunity and you see guys get chances now and they go around alright.”
He went on to play 32 games and kick 49 goals for the Crows, including playing a vital role in their 2012 finals campaign.
Looking back at his career, Callinan had some advice to those who miss selection in the upcoming 2019 draft.
“I think the best advice I can give is you just have to try and play the best footy wherever you play and be the best player you can be.
“You’ll get an opportunity at some stage, and there’s more chances of guys getting picked up with the two newest sides now.”