LIVE
Former Crow Ian Callinan posts on social media after suffering stroke
Former Adelaide Crows favourite Ian Callinan has spoken publicly for the first time since suffering a stroke at age 37, posting a message on social media.
Former Adelaide Crow Ian Callinan says he is “doing OK” after he suffered a stroke a month ago at the age of 37.
The former and Crow and Central District premiership hero was hospitalised early last month after suffering a stroke in his home state of Tasmania.
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 Hobart when he was hospitalised.
In a post on Twitter Callinan, affectionately known as “Wingnut”, said he was extremely grateful for the love he, his family and friends had received over the past four weeks.
He also said he would be cheering on the side he was playing for in Hobart, the OHA Ships, in Saturday’s Old Scholars Football Association Grand Final.
“It’s been four weeks since my stroke, the love and support from my family, friends and others has been nothing short of amazing,” he posted.
“Thanks so much. I’m doing OK still a little way to go to my beloved OHA Ships good luck in today’s granny will be there cheering you on.”
OHA last week posted a photo on their Facebook page of Callinan — who was named in the OSFA team of the year — watching training.
Opponents in the grand final, Hutchins Old Scholars, wished Callinan the club’s best with his recovery.
“On behalf of HSOBFC, we wish Ian Callinan (OHA) and his family all the best with his recovery; great to hear that he is already on the mend,” they posted.
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.
MORE AFL NEWS: