Beech a vital cog in Crows’ plans to conquer West Adelaide

HIGH-flying Jono Beech was a West Adelaide hero when the club triumphed in last year’s grand final to end a 32-year premiership drought. Now he looms as a dangerous opponent.

SANFL Football. West Adelaide footballer Jason Porplyzia and new Crows Rookie Jono Beech at Richmond.

HIGH-flying Jono Beech was a West Adelaide hero when the club triumphed in last year’s grand final — which ended a 32-year premiership drought.

Now he looms as a major threat for the Bloods.

Lured to Adelaide from the club’s Riverland zone, Beech was an extremely popular and valued commodity during his 129-game stint at the Bloods.

On Saturday, he will stand with his teammates to watch the 2015 flag being raised at the Bloods’ Richmond home, then listen to the final 40 seconds of the victory over Woodville-West Torrens in the title decider being blared over the speakers.

Those teammates, however, won’t be in the red and black, but the navy blue, red, gold and white jumper of Adelaide.

Finally, Beech has been given a shot at the AFL as a mature age recruit and his job on Saturday will be to help take down the team which celebrated premiership glory just six months ago with him as a key component.

“It is going to be weird,’’ Beech admitted. “My last game was with the premiership winner and the next game is against them.

“Last year was a great achievement to win the flag with them.

“But now I’m in a Crows jumper and I’ll be doing everything to play my best and win this game.’’

Beech is enjoying the fulltime football lifestyle and the chance to fully dedicate himself to being the best player he can. Since he was 18, he has been focused on a chance at the AFL.

“I caught up with a few Westies boys this week and the banter has started,’’ Beech said.

“I might get a few boos from the fans but hopefully they feel I’ve been a good servant of the club and understand I’m trying to get to the next level.’’

Jason Porplyzia is also a Bloods hero. And he also knows that feeling of playing for the Crows against the Bloods.

He won’t be on the ground tomorrow, having been forced to start the season as a spectator after hurting his knee at training.

Also missing for the victorious grand final side will be Riley Milne, Tom Keough, Will Snelling, Hugh Haysman, Adam Hartlett and Mason Middleton.