Crauford ready to take the step

Emerging Norwood ruckman Henry Crauford says he has pulled up well following his first League trials against the Crows and Woodville.

The young ruckman hasn’t missed a beat since joining the club at the start of 2019, and is ready to play his role for Norwood in 2019.

Despite starting on Friday night in the Reserves, Crauford has conceded he still has a fair bit to learn in learning and adjusting to the tempo of League football.

“I’ve adjusted really well since joining the club in early January,” Crauford said.

“I am slowly learning more about my teammates and they have been really welcoming to me since arriving.

“I feel I am still a bit behind the eight ball in terms of fitness and learning the tempo of SANFL football but I am slowly getting used to it and am enjoying every second of it.”

The 21-year old will line up again for Norwood this Friday in their last competitive hit out, before they face the Bays next Friday in Round one.

Crauford missed Norwood’s first internal trial a month ago, however featured heavily in the Redlegs last two trial games.

“I really enjoyed both hit outs against Adelaide and the Eagles,” Crauford said.

“The tempo is very fast in comparison to the level I played at with Mount Burr.

“Once I get a few more games under my belt, I’ll be able to have more of an impact around the ground and playing in the ruck.

“In saying that although I was pretty fatigued straight after the match on Friday, I loved every second of it and can’t wait for our next match.”

Crauford is also continuing to work with lead Norwood ruckman Sam Baulderstone, who is teaching the young ruckman a fair bit about the craft as a whole.

“With Sam we speak about key areas such as hit outs around the ground and positioning around stoppages, Crauford said.

“Brady Dawe has also been very helpful since arriving, so having both of those guys in my corner will only help me develop in 2019.”

“Overall I hope to find my place in the team. “It’s always a little bit harder coming into a new side when you don’t know a whole lot of people.

“But hopefully I have made a good first impression and can continue to improve and play some really good football in red and blue.”

Exclusive to norwoodfc.com.au