Adelaide mid-season draftee Hugo Hall-Kahan says finding a home at half-back has helped him elevate his game to the heights of AFL footy.
The 22-year-old’s football journey has been extensive, starting off with Sandringham in the Coates Talent League before being picked up by Sydney in the 2022 Mid-Season Rookie Draft, where he spent 18 months in the list.
The Victorian then moved home prior to the 2024 season, suiting up for Williamstown in the VFL.
As a result of the movement Hall-Kahan had been trialled in a number of positions, spending time up forward and in the midfield, before a discussion prior to this season resulted in him finding his most comfortable spot.
“I’ve had a lot of positional changes over the years, at the Swans I was playing more forward/half forward and then last year at Williamstown was playing through the midfield,” Hall-Kahan said on the latest episode of Crow Chat.
“I was fortunate enough to speak to my coach this past off-season about where my best position would be, and he thought half back, so I made the shift back there.
“I’ve absolutely loved being a defender, just looking at the game from that direction I think it has helped me a lot, and really helped me mature as a player - which has been a big help in getting me here (to the Crows).”
Hall-Kahan reflected on his growth, both on and off the field, since being delisted by the Swans and why felt better placed to be able to succeed at the highest level this time around.
“I’ve definitely always had a lot of belief in my ability, there’s just been certain things with my mind and certain habits around football and away from football as well,” Hall-Kahan said.
“I’ve put on a lot of size since Sydney and have just kept working at it year-on-year.
“There’s certainly a lot of improvement still to come, but I knew if I kept going at it my ability would give me a chance at earning another opportunity.”
That opportunity came in the 2026 AFL Mid-Season Rookie Draft, when Adelaide read out his name with Pick No.10.
Since joining the Club four weeks ago, Hall-Kahan has featured in three AFL games, and slotted seamlessly into the Crows’ back six.
Hall-Kahan said the chance to get back on an AFL list meant “everything”, and was determined to repay the Club’s faith in him.
“It means everything, to get another crack at it, I definitely don’t want to let this one slip,” Hall-Kahan said.
“It feels different this time, I feel ready to really come in and play.
“When I got picked up by Sydney I was still an 18-year-old kid, and stood back a bit at times, but now I feel a lot more ready to go and a lot more mature.
“I’m so stoked to get this opportunity and just want to repay the faith.”
Adelaide takes on Port Adelaide in Showdown 60 this Saturday night, with the match to start at 7.05pm.
Showdown 60 is a Port Adelaide home game, meaning Crows Memberships will not provide access into the match.
