When Lachlan McAndrew and Hugo Hall-Kahan first sat next to each other in the Sydney Swans locker room in June 2022, the prospect of playing an AFL game together was the furthest thing from their mind.

McAndrew had been picked up by the Swans a year prior and was learning the nuances of the game in the VFL, having recently converted over from Rugby, while Hall-Kahan was selected by Sydney in the 2022 Mid-Season Rookie Draft.

Both being rookies, the pair were given the numbers 45 (Hall-Kahan) and 46 (McAndrew) and for 18 months were neighbours in the changerooms, dreaming of making it to the elite level. 

Fast forward four years, and that dream became a reality - not as teammates at the Swans - but at the Crows.

Both played an integral role for Adelaide in its one-point win against Geelong at Adelaide Oval on Thursday night. 

Speaking to the media on Friday, McAndrew reflected on how the pair’s career had connected again after their time at the Swans had ended.

“We actually sat next to each other in the locker room at Sydney, I was 46 he was 45 so we had that bond before arriving at the Crows,” McAndrew said.

“To see him go back and put two years in the VFL, earn his stripes, get the opportunity here  and have such a great debut was awesome, and he was so important for us last night.

“He's always been a great footy player. I think he's just put on a bit more size, and while he's only been here a week, he’s made such a big impression on the group. 

“It's been good having him around and I can’t wait to see how he goes moving forward.”

McAndrew was at the forefront of the Crows’ stirring victory, recording 51 hit-outs, playing the majority of the game in the ruck. 

He said it was pleasing to be on the right side of the result and explained how his body was feeling at this point of the season. 

“We hung in at the end there, but it was a great effort by the boys, and to get away with the win was exceptional,” McAndrew said. 

“(Fitness wise) obviously it gets better, the more games you play, and it's a bit of a step up from SANFL to AFL. 

“To be able to build that aerobic capacity throughout the years has definitely helped me get to where I am now and be able to have an impact in the last five minutes of games like last night. 

“I think everyone at this stage of the season gets niggles so to have a week off was nice, and the body's feeling great now and I’m good to go for the rest of the season.”