Adelaide utility Luke Nankervis is in the midst of preparing for his first AFL final, after cementing a spot in the Crows’ AFL side with a consistent 2026 campaign. 

From reflecting on his journey to September action, to the key behind his improved form this season, Nankervis spoke in-depth with AFC Media in the lead-up to Saturday night’s clash against the Western Bulldogs.

From the pre-season draft to finals footy

When Nankervis first walked through the doors of the Adelaide Football Club in late 2021, the thought of playing in a final in front of a packed out Adelaide Oval was the furthest thing from his mind. 

At the time, Nankervis was a skinny 18-year-old kid, sporting a jedi braid and just thankful an AFL Club took a chance on him in the pre-season draft.

Since then, the athletic utility has dedicated himself to make the most of his opportunity, firstly earring a spot on the Crows’ main list, an AFL debut in 2023, and now a cemented spot in an Adelaide side destined for September action. 

“It (my journey) is quite crazy and something I always do think about,” Nankervis said. 

“I was so close to not even being on an AFL list, and Adelaide gave me that opportunity, and over the past five years all I’ve tried to do is repay that faith.

“Now I’m going to be doing something that I’ve always dreamed about, playing a final in front of 50 plus thousand people, it is just surreal to think about. 

“I’m so excited to have this opportunity, and can’t wait to show what I can do out there, I'm so pumped for it.” 

Missing out 12 months ago

The opportunity to play AFL footy in September was something Nankervis missed out on 12 months ago, after he wasn’t selected for the Crows’ finals matches against Collingwood and Hawthorn. 

He said watching those matches from the stands fuelled him to come back bigger and better for the 2026 campaign. 

“The feeling for me is just excitement, obviously it's a dream to play in a final, and I didn't get to do that last year, so I'm quite excited to get that opportunity this year,” Nankervis said.  

“We didn't go as well as we wanted to in the finals last year, and I think redeeming that has fuelled a lot of this year. Now we get a great opportunity against the Doggies to do that. 

“Personally, I just want to be out there to help them and be a part of it. I had a bit of a down year last year and went to work on a few things in the off season and pre-season.

“I’m proud that work has been able to pay off and I’ve been able to put my hand up to play some consistent AFL footy.”

The mindset shift that unlocked Nankervis’ growth

Consistency has been the key for Nankervis this season, as he has featured in every match since Round 10, and been a key contributor in big games with his run and carry across half back.

Nankervis put his improvement down to work he did on his mindset, and not being afraid to take the game on.

“The big thing was I went to work on my mindset and how I can get the best out of myself as a footballer,” Nankervis said. 

“I think a lot of it comes down to self belief and confidence, you can always think about what you can't really do and what you're not good at, but it's about creating your own story. 

“I’ve been trying to focus on the things that I can do and what I’m really good at, and I feel that's given me confidence to come in this year and perform. 

“One thing I’ve developed a lot is confidence on the field, I know I've always had that step there, but it's just been the balance of when I can drive my legs and take it on, or I can just give the easy hands. 

“So I think this year I've been able to find that balance, which has held me in good stead to be able to take on the opponent and get others involved as well.”

Sitting back and watching the wildcard matches

Nankervis and his Crows teammates were given the benefit of a week off heading into their finals campaign, after finishing the home and away season in sixth spot. 

He said he spent the weekend sitting back and watching the wildcard finals action with his housemates Josh Rachele and Jake Soligo. 

“It was actually cool because we could kind of be a fan for once, we're watching other teams go about it, and there's teams you wanted to win and stuff like that more than others,” Nankervis said. 

“It was quite exciting, every few minutes we'd be having goosebumps just because you want to be out there in that position, and we're going to have the opportunity this week.”

Adelaide takes on the Western Bulldogs in an elimination final at Adelaide Oval, with the match to start at 7.05pm. 

Ticket information here.