Between five kids, full-time work and coaching the East Gambier Football Club, Matt Willson has struggled to find time for his football aspirations - until now.

The 26-year-old had always hoped to play football at higher levels and this year he will have the opportunity by joining the Crows’ SANFL development squad for 2020.

It won’t be the first time he’s had a crack at playing in the SANFL, but this time the flexibility of Adelaide’s program will allow him to remain with his family in Mt Gambier.

Even sweeter for Willson was being approached by State League coach Heath Younie.

“After the success of a couple of players that came through the program from outside of Adelaide, like Tom Hutchesson who got picked up by GWS last year, Heath and I explored the option of travelling down to play some games,” Willson said.

“It all snowballed from a stab in the dark phone call.

“Having a program like this where I’m able to fulfill my family requirements and also have the chance to be exposed to an elite program and test myself against some of the best players in the state is awesome.”

And Younie won’t be the only one at West Lakes already familiar with the country footballer.

Midfield coach Mick Godden is Willson’s uncle, while senior coach Matthew Nicks previously coached him at Scotch College, where he played alongside All-Australian defender Rory Laird.

“I’ve had a fair bit to do with Mick in my journey and he’s a really good sounding board for me as a player and as a coach,” Willson said.

“It’s been a bit of a thrill getting back with Nicksy and Lairdy over the last couple of months and having a look back at some old times.

“It’s really good to see their pathway and how successful they’ve been since we last linked up.”

Willson is one of 32 new faces in Adelaide’s 2020 development squad.

The Club welcomed former League and reserves players Jake Pitt, Campbell Wildman, Sam Kennedy, Damon Arnold and 2019’s Adelaide Footy League Division One medallist Tim Baccanello.

They have also retained key members of the 2019 squad, including the reigning Dean Bailey medallist Matt Merrett, Hamish Latchford, Jackson Press and Billy and Maddy Hayes.

Small forward James Mathews will have an off-field role with the squad this year after sadly rupturing his ACL during the Under 23 match.

Having trained for almost three months together now, Younie is impressed with how the group has gelled.

“We’ve had an average of 30 out there per training and the guys are really invested and keen to learn and as a result we’ve been able to get the work into them,” Younie said.

“The last few weeks, a number of these guys have come in and been part of our match simulation with the AFL listed guys and they haven’t looked out of place.

“That suggests that they are prepared and are going to be able to contribute strongly at SANFL level when they get an opportunity.”

The SANFL Crows will play their first official trial game against West Adelaide on Saturday, March 21 at Richmond Oval ahead of their season opener against South Adelaide on Saturday, April 4.

Full 2020 SANFL Crows development squad list: