Incoming Adelaide coach Matthew Nicks has recalled the moment the Crows spurred his switch to football.

Nicks told AFC Media how a Crows game at Football Park prompted a sporting code switch from soccer to football.

“I remember the spot in the outer (of Football Park) as a 14-year-old kid playing soccer at the time,” Nicks said.

“I said to myself, ‘I’m playing AFL… I have to play this game’.

“It’s weird now, i was thinking about it over the last few days… I remember exactly where it was, the day I said I would play this game.

“It’s surreal now to be coming in as head coach.”

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As a Sturt supporter growing up, Nicks has fond memories of watching Rick Davies and Peter Motley compete on Unley Oval.

When the Crows entered the competition in 1991, Nicks became a fan.

“When the Crows came in, it was like ‘we’ve got a side’,” he said.

“I was a Crows supporter right through to when I was drafted.”

Nicks almost became a Crow in 1994, with Adelaide showing interest in using their pick No.27 on him.

The Swans jumped in to take the West Adelaide junior with pick No.21 with the Crows selecting Double Blues midfielder Toby Kennett six spots later.

“I had a small tear when I was drafted by Sydney in the draft,” Nicks said.

“Adelaide had pick 27… I was this close to staying.”

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But after 175 games for the Swans, Nicks had nothing but praise for the Sydney side.

“I had an amazing experience with the Swans, it was a blessing in disguise,” Nicks said.

“Even though Mum and I cried on the day I was drafted, it was a good move in the end.

“I owe them a lot, they got me to where I am today.”