For Crows SANFL Skipper Jack Madgen, reaching the 50-game milestone means a little more than it does to most others. 

Across a football journey that began as a junior in the Barossa Valley, reached the heights of a 49-match stint at Collingwood and now leading Adelaide’s SANFL side - he has never played 50 games for one team. 

That will change this Saturday afternoon, as he lines up in Crows colours for the 50th time in their Round 16 clash against Norwood. 

Madgen becomes just the third development player in the Club’s history to reach the 50-game milestone, an achievement he said he would look back fondly on. 

“It’s pretty cool (reaching 50 games), obviously it’s pretty hard for the development players to play week in and week out,” Madgen told AFC Media. 

“I reckon I’ve been stuck in the high 40s for three different Clubs over my journey, so to finally crack to the 50 is pretty exciting. 

“I’ve loved every minute here at the Crows, having my entire family over here and able to come and watch each week has made the experience all the more special. 

“The best thing about the milestone is I get to share it with a great group of guys, and we are playing some great footy together at the moment.” 

Since joining the Club as a marquee SANFL recruit prior to the 2023 season, Madgen has been a consistent performer on-field while also committed to improving the program off-field. 

His influence saw him take over the captaincy from Club stalwart Matthew Wright, prior to last season, a role he said had helped him grow immensely. 

“I feel like I’ve had really good growth in that (leadership) space,” Madgen said. 

“For me it’s just been about taking a step back and trying to have that calming presence on the team, I’ve always had that coaching aspect of my game, but an area I’ve really improved is my ability to turn off that white line fever in a way and help everyone stick to the process no matter the situation.

“Leaning on the likes of Wrighty (Matthew Wright) and Goddsy (Mick Godden) for support has been huge for me in this space, and I feel like my growth as a leader has helped me become a better footballer.” 

Madgen and his Crows teammates are in a strong position at Round 16 of the SANFL season, having already qualified for the finals with four games remaining. 

He said the secret to Adelaide’s success this year had been the closeness of the group. 

“This SANFL season has been awesome to be a part of, and the most pleasing thing is there is still heaps of growth,” Madgen said. 

“On the weekend for example, we gave up a goal within the first 10 seconds of the game, so having things like our starts to work on - it shows that while we are winning, there is still a whole other level we can go to. 

“Just the connectedness within the team as well has been a massive highlight, from our AFL-listed guys all the way to our development squad, everyone is playing so well together and buying into what we are trying to achieve. 

“Everybody complements each other so well out on the field, and there are some great relationships within our team which makes coming out and playing each week a lot of fun.” 

Madgen’s impact on the Adelaide Football Club does not end with his exploits on the field for the SANFL team. 

He is currently in his second season as an assistant coach of the AFLW side, while he is also a key driver behind the Club’s development and academies programs. 

Having a touchpoint with all aspects of the Club’s football department was something Madgen said had really helped him develop as a coach.

“I’ve slowly built out my role across the past three years, and I’ve gotten to the point now where I’m involved with every program in the Club - which means the years can get pretty long,” Madgen said. 

“But I love it, the Club has really embraced me and my family, and given me a lot of autonomy to do the role the way I need to do it. 

“Jarrod Meers (Academies Manager) has been great for me in the academy and development space, Doc (Matthew Clarke) is really invested in my development as a coach in the AFLW set-up. 

“Then the likes of Adam Kelly and Nicksy have really helped me in the AFL space and given me some great advice as I continue to grow as a coach, player and person.” 

Adelaide’s SANFL side takes on Norwood at Norwood Oval this Saturday, with the first bounce at 1.10pm (ACST).