How Matthew Nicks assured new draftee McAsey that an interstate move could be the best thing for him
New Adelaide Crows coach Matthew Nicks shared his own draft experience of leaving South Australia for New South Wales to comfort new the family of Victorian draftee Fischer McAsey.
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An interstate move may seem a daunting prospect for any young draftee, but Adelaide coach Matthew Nicks has already gone to extra lengths to reassure the family of his newest recruit that it can be a good thing.
After missing out on Dylan Stephens, after the Norwood winger was snapped up by Sydney with pick five, the Crows pounced on Victorian key defender Fischer McAsey with pick six at last night’s AFL draft in Melbourne.
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However, coming to terms with their son departing for an interstate career isn’t an easy thing for any family, especially with the suddenness of the decision occurring on draft night.
Adelaide coach Matthew Nicks, in a video captured by the Crows and shared online, spoke to McAsey’s parents shortly after his selection to reassure them abouthis move to West Lakes.
“I know it’s hard that he’s going to Adelaide, my parents went through it as well,” he told them.
“I remember we cried and my mum cried, and so on.
“But the best thing I ever did was get away and go to Sydney, and I went Adelaide to Sydney.
“So it’s hard right now, but it’s really good for him; I think it will be good for him.
“I’ve been there (at Adelaide) for five minutes, but I know the place pretty well and we’ve got a really good group.”
Heartfelt words from Nicksy to the newest parents in our Crows family 💙â¤ï¸ðŸ’› #weflyasone pic.twitter.com/XFA6vcp9k8
— Adelaide Crows (@Adelaide_FC) November 27, 2019
Nicks played for SANFL club West Adelaide before being recruited with pick 21 by the Swans in the 1994 AFL draft, where he would go on to play 175 games.
The Crows have picks 24, 25, 39, 46, 76 and 79 across the remainder of the evening.