Adelaide SANFL development player Jay Boyle’s journey to 100 League games does not mirror that of your average footballer.

A firefighter by trade, Boyle lives a double life of sorts, with his work commitments meaning he has to attack training and game preparation differently to other players.

But, as has been a key trait of his 99-game career, Boyle relishes a challenge and has adapted his lifestyle to get the best out of himself both on and off the field.

Speaking to AFC Media on the eve of his 100th game, the Crows’ second highest capped SANFL player explained how he has allowed fighting fires and playing footy to go hand-in-hand. 

“It can be challenging at times, I don’t know if there would be too many SANFL players doing shift work,” Boyle said.

“But I think the key is you just need to be flexible, while I do night shifts and it can be challenging at times, I do get some time off during the week and I try and make the most of that when it comes to my prep for footy.

“I’ve learned to manage it over the years and something I felt I’ve constantly improved at over the years.”

On the field, adapting to different challenges has been a key part of Boyle’s SANFL career, as he played five games at Glenelg before making the move to the Crows’ development squad in 2021.

As a result of being a SANFL-listed player, Boyle has been thrust into a number of different roles during his five seasons at the Club, playing whatever position is necessary to fit around the AFL players coming in and out of the team.

His commitment to playing multiple roles has resulted in featuring in 91 out of a possible 97 games since joining the Crows, and a part of his game he takes great pride in.

“I’ve played pretty much all over the ground during my time with the Crows,” Boyle said. 

“It’s a bit of a unique position being in the development squad, you play with heaps of players over the years and the team is constantly changing - it really teaches you to be flexible.

“Looking back now, that's been awesome for me as a footballer, it’s really helped me grow into the player I am today and be able to be a solid contributor at League level. 

“Hopefully that will be something that will be able to extend my career as well, because playing in the midfield can be pretty tough week in and week out, so being able to play in other spots will definitely help me as I get a bit older.”

This Sunday’s semi-final against Norwood will serve as a celebration for Boyle and the hard work he has put into getting the most out of his football.

And while his mind is firmly fixed on what he has to do to help the Crows get into a preliminary final, he said the 100 game milestone is something he will look back on with pride. 

“It will be pretty special to tick off the milestone in a final, and I just can’t wait to get out there and play,” Boyle said.

“Hopefully the boys can get the win and when it’s all done reaching the 100th game milestone will be something I reflect on with a lot of pride.

“My goal at the start was just to play league footy, so to get a good run at it and now be at 100 games it’s something I’ll always be proud of.

“But my sole focus right now is on beating the Redlegs this Sunday and playing my role for the team.”

Adelaide takes on Norwood in a do-or-die semi-final at Adelaide Oval on Sunday, with the first bounce at 12.15pm ACST.