Shane McAdam to follow in the footsteps of Andrew McLeod as Crows reveal new players’ numbers

Shane McAdam has big shoes to fill. The exciting Sturt forward the Crows secured through a pre-draft trade from Carlton has been handed the No. 23 jumper at Adelaide made famous by dual Norm Smith Medallist Andrew McLeod.

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Shane McAdam has big shoes to fill.

The exciting Sturt forward the Crows secured through a pre-draft trade from Carlton, which had access to him by the AFL’s special assistance program, has been handed the No. 23 jumper at Adelaide made famous by dual Norm Smith Medallist Andrew McLeod.

“I feel so privileged,’’ said McAdam.

“Obviously 23 has been worn by McLeod and a lot of great indigenous players before me so it gives me a lot of pride.’’

McAdam will become the fourth consecutive indigenous player to don the number for Adelaide, following McLeod, Jared Petrenko and Charlie Cameron.

Andrew McLeod with his famous No. 23 jumper in which he has played more than 300 games for the Crows.

“As much as I want to make other players who have worn it proud, I also want to make it my own now and make the most of the opportunity,” McAdam, 23, told the Crows website.

McLeod said he is confident McAdam will make his mark in the guernsey number that means so much to the club.

“Shane follows a line of custodians who have worn the number 23 and I’m sure, like them, he’ll leave his own personal mark and have a great impact on our club,’’ he said.

Fellow Crows indigenous forward Tyson Stengle, recruited from Richmond, has been handed the No. 17 jumper vacated by the retired Curtly Hampton while first-round draft selections Chayce Jones and Ned McHenry have been given numbers 20 and 25 respectively.

We have a new number 23 at West Lakes! 🙌 https://t.co/KwN06kyzu1 #weflyasone pic.twitter.com/dj9XhJsyeH

— Adelaide Crows (@Adelaide_FC) November 27, 2018

The speedy Jones will become the fourth Tasmanian to occupy the No. 20 locker at West Lakes, following John Klug, Sam Siggins and Hugh Greenwood, who now wears No. 1.

The club’s other 2018 national draft picks, Will Hamill and Lachlan Sholl, will wear numbers 35 and 38 respectively.

New rookies Jordon Butts and Kieran Strachan have been handed numbers 41 and 45.