For Kuwarna SANFL recruit Blake Drury, being named in the 2025 SA State Squad is a culmination of hard work and persistence.

Drury became just the second Kuwarna player since Ian Callinan in 2015 to be named in the squad, which this year will take on the WAFL.

The 21-year-old was unveiled as the Crows’ marquee SANFL recruit in November after spending two seasons on North Melbourne’s list.

Drury has played all six SANFL games with Kuwarna this year and has averaged 20.8 disposals, as well as 4.3 clearances, while booting nine goals.

Speaking to Kuwarna media after the 26-player State Squad was announced this week, Drury said relocating to Adelaide and gaining independence had helped with his footy.

“I’m pretty excited, I feel like it’s a good reward for a fair bit of hard work, so I’m keen to get out there and represent the SANFL, which has been really good to me since moving across,” Drury said.

“For me moving out of home has really helped me. I lived at home back in Melbourne, so the independence that comes with moving and coming to a new state that I hadn’t spent much time in has been great.

“You kind of put all your chips into one basket so to speak, and by making that sacrifice it makes small decisions a lot easier because you’ve got a purpose with why you’re training and why you’re playing.”

Since arriving at West Lakes, Drury has trained full-time with the Club’s AFL squad and he said that had helped him feel more comfortable at a new club.

“The Club has been really great for me in terms of having me come over here and join in on the full-time program, I feel very part of the Club” Drury said.

“The buy-in, in terms of the on-field energy and culture is great, like celebrating little acts that your teammates are doing is really infectious.

“By showing it, because we show it in our reviews each week, it really places a high importance on it and encourages everyone else to buy-into that and get involved.

“That’s something that I’ve loved playing in. When you do a small act that sometimes may go unnoticed normally, all the boys really get around you and pump you up and it makes playing even more fun.”

Drury has lined up in a variety of positions this season, and although he prides himself on his versatility, believes he is best suited to a forward-line role.

“I do like the ability to be higher up the ground forward and connecting with the mids,” Drury said.

“Versatility is one of my main strengths, so it’s also great running around in the midfield and getting your hands on the footy a little bit more.

“But I think my strengths suit being that high half-forward.”

The 2025 match will be the 100th game between SA and WA in State football, with a 51-48 win-loss record in favour of SA.

The SANFL faces the WAFL at Adelaide Oval on Saturday at 11.30am, with the game to be broadcast live and free on the SANFLNow App.