Each time Crows defender Hugo Hall-Kahan steps onto Adelaide Oval, he takes a moment to soak in the 50,000-strong crowd.
For a player handed a second chance through the Mid-Season Rookie Draft, it's a sight that never loses its meaning.
"I look at the crowd before and after, and just take it all in," Hall-Kahan said.
"I just absolutely love it.
"I'm living out my dream again. I got a second opportunity, not many people can say that, so I'm just so grateful."
The 22-year-old joined the Crows just three months ago, and was now on the cusp of lining up in his first finals series, having featured in all but one match since making his debut in Round 13.
In his 11 games, Hall-Kahan has averaged 19.6 disposals at 76 per cent efficiency, 8.5 pressure acts, 3.4 intercept possessions and 3.9 marks.
It’s a rapid rise for the mid-season draftee, who has overcome plenty of challenges across his journey, including injuries as a junior, being selected by Sydney at the 2022 Mid-Season Rookie Draft then delisted after 18 months, and positional switches.
Speaking to AFC Media after helping the Crows secure sixth spot and an elimination final berth with a 56-point win against GWS, Hall-Kahan said his year so far had been a whirlwind.
“I was really taking it in at the end there at the end, that was amazing,” Hall-Kahan said.
“It's crazy. I haven't had too much time to reflect, just with how quick the season goes, but I'm sure after it's all said and done for this year, I'll have a lot of reflecting to do.
“The coaches give me a lot of belief and confidence with backing my ability, which is amazing. There's a few minor tweaks they give me, they don't want to fill me with too much information because they know I've come in mid-season, but they're giving me a lot of confidence, which has been great.”
The win against the Giants also marked Crows veteran Taylor Walker’s last home-and-away game at Adelaide Oval, with the Club’s all-time leading goalkicker calling time on his career at season’s end.
Hall-Kahan said it was a privilege to be part of a momentous occasion for both the Club and a great of the game.
“I love Texan, and so does everyone. He's just an amazing character, and human being,” Hall-Kahan said.
“He's just awesome, the way he rallies the troops, and his football stacks up.
“He kicked six goals (against the Giants), he's just playing unbelievably well, so he's backing it up on the field, but he's just an amazing character, and we love him.”
The Crows have this weekend off before taking on the highest ranked team from the wildcard games in an elimination final at Adelaide Oval next Saturday night.
Hall-Kahan said playing in a home final with the crowd behind the team would be a bonus.
“I am definitely excited, I mean, this crowd's unbelievable, and it's so fun to play in front of,” Hall-Kahan said.
“I just have a ball every time I get out there.
“Our defence was really strong (against the Giants), we’re high up there for defensive contests and pressure, so we know if we bring that, our football is going to stack up.”
Adelaide will play its elimination final at Adelaide Oval on Saturday, September 5, at 7.05pm.
For all the up-to-date information on how to secure tickets and more, head to Club’s finals hub here.
