Tassie footy star Ian Callinan set for grand return less than two years after suffering stroke

A Tassie footy star and former Adelaide crow will make his grand return to the footy field next week as he pulls the boots on for a charity match less than two years after a shocking health scare. WHAT HAPPENED >>

ONE of the state’s favourite footballing sons will soon return to the field for the first time since suffering from a major health scare in 2020.

Former Adelaide Crow and Tassie Devil gun Ian Callinan will pull the boots back on next Saturday in what will be the star footballer’s first game of football since he suffered a life altering stroke in 2020 at the age of just 37.

Former Tasmanian AFL players Garry Baker and Ian Callinan who will play in the Relive the Rivalry charity football game. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Callinan, who dominated the VFL and SANFL for over a decade before playing 34 games for the Adelaide Crows, will return to the field to don ‘the map’ for the annual Relive the Rivalry match which each year brings together famous ex-footballers to raise money for different charities.

The popualr footballer, who still gets easily fatigued as a result of his stroke, said he was thrilled to return to the field.

“It’s nearly been two years since my episode but I’m just happy to be alive and excited to be able run around next weekend,” Callinan said.

“I’m pumped to be honest.

“I’ve played footy my whole life and I’d probably be still playing to this day if I could at OHA where I was having a great time so to get that ripped away from me was pretty shattering.

“But I am 39 as well so I’ve got to remember it was probably going to come to an end at some stage.”

Not only was Callinan forced to give up the game he loves following the stroke but he also had to step away from full time work due to the physical and mental fatigue it caused.

However, the former Crow said he was confident the worst of it was behind him and was hopeful of returning to full time work in the coming months.

“I feel pretty good and obviously I get tired like everyone else but mine is a bit more exaggerated than it normally would be.

“I’m pretty confident it was a one off thing…but there’s no guarantees in life, obviously I’ve had one so there’s more of a chance of it happening again.

“But I feel confident and I’m just happy to be alive and running around.”

Former Tasmanian AFL players Garry Baker and Ian Callinan who will play in the Relive the Rivalry charity football game. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

After taking Old Scholars’ side OHA to a flag as coach in 2021 Callinan decided to take some time away from the game this season but said he was eager to return in the near future.

“I was lucky enough to coach OHA last year and we had a ball and obviously lucky enough to win a flag and so I just thought the time was right to get away from footy and focus on my health.

“I was struggling with fatigue a bit so to be a dad and trying to get back to work and coaching was just too much so it’s been about getting back to work and being a father.

“I’ve always got a soft spot for footy so hopefully I’ll have 12 months watching my boys and my little girl grow up and hopefully at some stage I will get involved again.”

Callinan will be playing in his fifth Relive the Rivalry match and said he was excited to see a big turnout at Huonville Oval to help raise money for mental health organisation Beyond Blue.

“I’m happy to play anytime I can play for a great charity and a great cause.

“I’m super excited to not only play with the Tassie boys but against Victoria as well and I’m sure it’ll be a huge crowd down at Huonville which have a great community down there.”

Former Melbourne hard nut Garry Baker will join Callinan alongside a host of former footy stars- inlcuding the likes of Brendan Fevola and Leon Davis- in what will be the ninth iteration of the Relive the Rivalry match.

The game will take place at Huonville Oval on March 26 at 2.15pm.

Tickets can be purchased on the Relive the Rivalry Facebook page or at the gate.