Former Adelaide Crows favourite and SANFL premiership star Ian Callinan in hospital after suffering a stroke
Former Crows forward and Central District premiership hero Ian Callinan is recovering after suffering a shock stroke at the age of 37 in his home state of Tasmania.
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Former Crow and Central District premiership hero Ian Callinan is recovering in hospital after suffering a stroke at the age of 37.
The much-loved small forward who played 32 AFL games for Adelaide as a mature-age draftee and won four SANFL premierships and a Jack Oatey Medal with the Bulldogs was still playing in his home state of Tasmania when he was hospitalised.
The Southern Cricket Association in Tasmania confirmed the news on Monday when it said the man affectionately known as “Wingnut” had suffered a stroke.
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“Which is something that has absolutely shocked the Callinan family and all of Ian’s friends, teammates and everyone else in Ian’s life to the core,” the association said in a statement.
“Nut is receiving the best of medical care and all steps are being taken to put treatment in motion that will allow this debilitating health setback to be addressed which will allow Ian to continue on with his life with minimal long term effects.
“As everyone who has come into contact with Wingnut will know, Ian is arguably one of the fittest guys running around in the SCA. Along with his young age, fitness and his will to fight, all these qualities will go strongly in his favour to come out the end of this health setback and return to a somewhat normal life.
“The SCA and all its members are hopeful that the best possible outcome will prevail and we wish Ian and his family a positive outcome during this time of treatment.”
Callinan most recently played with OHA (Old Hobartians Association) Ships in the Old Scholars Football Association competition in Hobart, where he kicked four goals in the week before suffering the stroke. He has booted 24 goals from six games the Covid-shortened season.
He has been playing for the side based on Hobart’s eastern shore since 2018 after initially returning to Tasmania to play for Clarence in the Tasmanian State League.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with our little champion Ian Callinan, his wife Lauren and immediate family,” OHA posted on Facebook.
“It’s been a tough few days but if anyone can bounce back it will be our little master. From everyone involved/associated with OHA we are thinking of you guys with love.”
The league also issued a statement which said:
“The OSFA executive, member clubs, coaches, players and supporters would like to wish Ian Callinan a speedy recovery. To his family and friends we send our love and support.
To his OHA family he is your Wingnut and you all know what a champion he is and he will be up and about in no time. Get well soon Champ.”
Clarence Football Club added:
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Ian Callinan, Lauren and immediate family. We couldn’t begin to imagine how hard the past few days have been. Ian has always been a fighter and a winner and I’m sure this time will be no different.”
Callinan was recruited by SANFL powerhouse Central District at the height of its premiership era in the 2000s and made an immediate impact, playing in four consecutive flags from 2007 to 2010 when he won the Jack Oatey Medal as best-on-ground.
His goal sense and smarts eventually became too much for AFL scouts to ignore and in 2010 he was rookie listed by the Crows with Pick 64.
He made his AFL debut in 2011 and kicked 49 goals in 32 games, 39 of which came in a brilliant season in 2012 as the Crows made the preliminary final.
Despite standing just 172cm he punched well above his size at SANFL and AFL level and remains a popular former player at the Crows and much loved at Central District.
He last posted on Twitter before Taylor Walker’s 200th game, saying:
“Congratulations to my great mate @texwalker13 on his 200th game today be an absolute champ for the footy club not only has he been outstanding on field his leadership and guidance through some bloody time tough times at the footy club is nothing short of amazing luv ya cocko.”
After being delisted by the Crows’ AFL team he continued on as captain of their state league side for two years in 2014 before returning to Tasmania.
reece.homfray@news.com.au
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