When first-year Crow Mitchell Marsh pulled on the tri colours for his first SANFL League game earlier this year, the nerves were impossible to ignore.

Stepping up from the under-18 ranks to senior football presented a new challenge, with the speed, physicality and intensity of League level a significant jump from what he was used to. 

But Marsh knew there was little time to ease into it, adapting quickly would be crucial if he was to make his mark.

Now, almost four months later, Marsh has become a consistent cog in the Crows’ SANFL team, lining up in every game so far, and averaging 12.7 disposals.

He has also booted five goals across 13 games, while taking a total of 61 marks.

Speaking to AFC Media ahead of this weekend’s Neil Kerley Memorial Match against West Adelaide, Marsh said he was becoming more confident as the weeks went on.

“I think I've had a lot of learnings, it was a bit of a shock at the start with the bigger bodies and stuff, playing against men, but it’s been a good experience so far,” Marsh said.

“I've probably found a little bit more confidence in my role and how I can help the team in these last few rounds, which has been good.

“The biggest challenge for me was the start of the year when I was probably a little bit out of form. It's definitely a lot more physical than under-18 footy.

“But I'm starting to get a bit more used to it, now I’ve been able to hit a bit more form, and I’m really trying to build on that. It's been good to be able to play every game, and to contribute to the team.”

Marsh arrived at the Crows after being selected with Pick No.22 at the 2025 Telstra AFL Draft.

The 19-year-old iis continuing his family's legacy at the Club, with his father, Ben, playing 48 games across six seasons and featuring in the 1998 premiership.

He said going from watching his favourite Crows players to being teammates with them and sharing the field with some in the SANFL had been a dream come true.

“You watch those blokes play your whole life, and being able to play alongside them is really cool,” Marsh said.

“Especially someone like Cal (Ah Chee), who has won a couple of AFL premierships and then having Tex (Taylor Walker) in the SANFL team earlier this year was really cool.”

Marsh is a West Adelaide product having played his junior football there, while his dad, Ben, also featured in the SANFL for the Bloods.

He said it was a privilege to have an opportunity to be part of the Neil Kerley Memorial Match.

Kerley had a profound impact on both the Adelaide and West Adelaide, having led the Bloods 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.

”He’s obviously a big name and I remember when I was at Westies there were photos everywhere of Neil,” Marsh said.

“It’s a big game and we are excited to play in it again.”

Adelaide will be looking to bounce back this weekend following a three-point loss to ladder-leaders Glenelg last Sunday.

The Crows face the Bloods at Richmond Oval on Saturday at 2,10pm, with the game to be broadcast on the SANFL Now App.