An opportunity to lace up the boots with his brother was something SANFL Development Player Harry Boyle had been looking forward to since joining Adelaide’s program for the 2024 season.
That became a reality when Boyle ran out alongside his brother, Jay Boyle, for the Crows; Round Two SANFL game against Central District at Elizabeth Oval.
The match was made extra special, not only because it was his debut, but because Jay presented him with his Crows guernsey.
Boyle said the day was a moment he would remember, despite the side’s result.
“It was good, always good to play alongside him when opportunity presents itself,” he said.
“He (Jay) just told me to play my natural game and I would be fine.
“Pre-game I spoke to Jay a little bit about the structures just to get them down pat.
“We had not really played alongside each other a lot before because of the age gap and him being at the Crows for the past few years.”
The pair became the third set of brothers to play League Football together, joining Matt and Brad Crouch and James and Lachlan Matthews.
Having plied his trade in the South Australian Amateur Football League for the Brighton Bombers over the past few years, Boyle said he was nervous stepping up to SANFL.
But once he took to the field those nerves went away.
“I was a little bit nervous beforehand, but it wasn’t too bad,” he said.
“There were some nerves but once I got out there, I was fine.
“All the boys got around me.
“It was good, it was a bit quicker than the level I have played at before.”
Having always wanted the opportunity to prove himself at State League level, Boyle said he was grateful for Jay who helped pave the way for him to become a Crow.
“Jay made the call to Meersy (Crows SANFL & Academies Manager) to see if I could come out because he thought I was good enough,” Boyle said.
“I was keen to go out there and prove myself, so I went out with Jay and it sort of just went from there.
“I was just lucky enough to be able to get the opportunity to join the team.”
Adelaide will look to return to the SANFL winners’ list when it takes on Glenelg at Glenelg Oval this Saturday afternoon.
