The successful return of Sam Kerridge and Lewis Johnston in Saturday’s SANFL clash is a glowing endorsement of the Club’s professionalism, says Crows state league skipper Ian Callinan.

Kerridge was pivotal in the midfield for the SANFL Crows in his comeback from a foot injury, while Johnston displayed great versatility as a rebounding weapon from half-back during Adelaide’s 16-point victory over the Tigers.

The pair’s performances followed the return of Charlie Cameron, Sam Shaw, Jared Petrenko and Tom Lynch from long-term injuries in recent weeks.

Brad Crouch, Ricky Henderson and Taylor Walker have also made seamless comebacks via Adelaide’s SANFL side this season.

Callinan said the entire playing group had set incredible standards this year behind closed doors in terms of rehabilitation and preparation.

“It’s fantastic to see guys like ‘Kedge’, ‘Lewi’ and ‘Shawry’ come back in and play their role straight away,” Callinan told afc.com.au.

“These guys work tremendously hard behind the scenes to get themselves right when it comes time to lace up the boots.”

“It’s also a credit to the coaching staff and fitness staff with the work they do with the boys.”

After being sidelined for six weeks with a foot complaint, Kerridge collected 26 disposals and an equal match-high nine clearances in an impressive comeback display.

“He is the ultimate professional and he really looked after himself in his time off,” Callinan said of the emerging 21-year-old.

“He’s really fit and a great young leader, which is something that we need at the Club.”

Lewis Johnston’s return from a long-term hand injury was just as notable. The skilful tall gathered 20 possessions and seven marks in an unfamiliar role down back.

The 23-year-old still managed to float forward and slot two trademark majors during the opening half in his first game since early May.

But Callinan saved much of his praise for utility Sam Shaw, who was Adelaide’s best performer in the Club’s second-straight SANFL triumph.

Shaw started in defence and held Glenelg forward Clint Alleway goalless, before he was moved forward to provide a strong-marking target for the SANFL Crows.

He finished with an equal season-best 20 possessions, seven marks, six rebound 50ms and a kicked a goal for good measure.

“Sammy Shaw has been outstanding for us in the last month,” he said.

“His attitude has been tremendous in the way that he has come back.”

Shaw has endured a string of soft-tissue injuries since joining the Crows with selection No.45 in the 2009 National Draft.

The 23-year-old was again struck down with a hamstring injury in June, after having played five of Adelaide’s first seven rounds of the season with the Club’s AFL side.

Shaw returned to action just over a month ago, and has been a vital cog for the SANFL Crows to help Adelaide win three of its past four state league matches.

“It’s a shame that he’s been struck down by injury quite a bit in his career,” said Callinan.

“If he can get a bit of luck on his side, I’m sure he can play a fair bit of AFL footy for the Club into the future.”

Crows SANFL coach Heath Younie said Shaw was doing everything right to earn a senior recall for his first AFL appearance since Round Seven.

“His game was outstanding, and that’s two in a row for him now,” Younie said.

“His job on Alleway early was pivotal for the result in the end. He played with some real power and was at an AFL intensity all day.

“He’s certainly put his hand up again for AFL selection with that performance.”