Adelaide SANFL Senior Coach Matt Wright understands the lasting legacy Neil Kerley left on the Club and the South Australian football community.

And it’s why he says it’s a true privilege to take on West Adelaide in the third, annual Neil Kerley Memorial Match this Saturday.

Kerley, who was an influential figure across more than four decades as a player, coach, administrator and media commentator, passed away in June 2022.

The SA football great had a profound impact on the Crows and the Bloods, leading West Adelaide to premierships in 1961 (captain-coach) and 1983 (coach), and played a vital role in the Crows’ inception to the AFL as the inaugural Football Manager.

“It’s a really important game,” Wright said

“He was a special man and he did a lot for football in South Australia.

“He left a really important legacy, so we are honoured to be playing in this game and it’s one that we really look forward to.

“I didn’t have the privilege of crossing over with him too much but being an SA man and having played a lot of SANFL, I know the big impact he had on not only the SANFL but also the Adelaide Football Club as well.”

The Crows will be looking to return to the winners’ list, having lost to Glenelg by 28 points last week.

West Adelaide, meanwhile, is coming off a 13-point win against Woodville-West Torrens

“We were unable to get the result last week, and with it being such a tight season at the top there, we want to get back on the winners’ list and get back to our game,” Wright said.

“We are really confident that if we bring our A-game and are able to do it for four quarters, we’ll get a good result.

“Watching Westies last week, they were very good against the Eagles.

“We know it’s going to be a tight, contested game of footy, and it’s a challenge we are looking forward to.”

Adelaide will also wear black armbands to honour Crows Life Member Bob Shoolbread and AFL Hall of Famer Barrie Robran.

Adelaide will face West Adelaide in the Neil Kerley Memorial Match at Hisense Stadium at 2.30pm.