Rory Atkins is working on adding another dimension to his game with the aim of spending more time in Adelaide’s engine room
12:31pm Mar 6, 2017
Off-season trade rumours surprised youngster Rory Atkins but he says he's keen to make his mark as a Crow
2:12pm Dec 12, 2016
10:03pm Jul 16, 2016
8:00am Jun 13, 2016
10:21pm Jun 11, 2016
Junior Clubs: Maribrynong Park (Vic)/Calder U18s
Debut: v Port Adelaide, Round 16, 2015
Recruited from: Calder Cannons (Vic)
Brownlow Votes: 1
Played every game and was one of the Club’s most improved performers. The skilful left-footer averaged 21 disposals at 75 per cent efficiency to cement his place in Adelaide’s starting side. Atkins provided great run and carry, finishing second at the Club for total metres gained (8,750m) behind only super-boot Brodie Smith. The speedster was also able to impact the scoreboard with 11 goals for the year, including match-winning majors against Sydney in Round Four and West Coast in Round 12. Collected a career-high 32 possessions in the Crows’ Round 21 win against Fremantle.
One of the success stories of Season 2015. Atkins missed the first two months of the season after injuring his knee during pre-season training in February. He returned to football through the SANFL and earned his way to an AFL debut as the substitute in Showdown XXXIX. The skilful left-footer played in eight of Adelaide's next 10 games and used his energy and pace to make an immediate impact. Will be eager to add to his games tally in 2016.
Atkins went close to making his senior debut in 2014 in what was another promising season. The left-footed wingman was an AFL emergency on several occasions after a string of impressive SANFL performances. Atkins averaged 19 possessions at 80 per cent efficiency at State League level and finished in sixth spot in Adelaide’s SANFL Best and Fairest count.
The left-footer played seven SANFL league games in his first year at Adelaide, showing glimpses of why he was included in the AIS-AFL Academy as a 17-year-old. A goalkicking onballer, Atkins can play at half-forward and also in the midfield. Should benefit from playing in the Crows system year-round.
Recruited from the prominent Victorian Calder Cannons Football Club, Atkins is a skilful left-footer who is renowned for his fantastic kicking skills. Atkins spent time at the AIS-AFL Academy, training with the nation’s best underage talent. The 18-year-old secured the Calder Cannons 2012 best and fairest award after a fantastic 2012 season playing predominantly as a half forward and in the midfield. He was Adelaide's second and final selection at the November national draft.
Nickname: Rat
What was your best break in life: Getting drafted
Best piece of advice your mother gave you: Treat people the way you’d like to be treated
If you weren’t a footballer, what would you like to be: Doctor
Do you have a saying or motto that you live your life by: No
If you could ask someone to be your mentor, who would it be: Conor McGregor
Morning or evening person: Morning
Favourite timeslot to play in: Early Saturday
Favourite footy journalist: Josh Jenkins
Favourite TV caller/commentator: Basil Zempilas
Worst injury: Broken pinky
How many text messages do you send a day: 7
Three phone apps you can’t live without: Messages, Phone, Calculator
Favourite Twitter account you follow: Will Farrell Parody
Most embarrassing song in your iTunes: I don’t use iTunes
Best concert you’ve been to: Eminem
Where did you holiday after last season: Hong Kong
Favourite sport other than football: Basketball
What sport would you like to compete in at the 2016 Olympics: Table Tennis
Can you change a spare tyre: Yes, with help
Do you iron your own shirts: Yes
Favourite restaurant: Sushi Train
Do you believe in UFOs: No
What three items would you take to a desert island: Flare, water, shoe horn
Any special hobbies or interests: Horse training
Three famous people you would like to meet: Carl Baron, LeBron James, Brodie Grundy
What do you have that is of great value to you, but no one else: Mouth guard
