New recruit Callum Ah Chee says the influence of Crows Coaching Director Murray Davis was pivotal in his decision to make the move from the Brisbane Lions to the Adelaide Football Club.
Davis, who joined the Crows last year after spending 13 seasons on the Lions’ coaching staff, had played a key role in Ah Chee’s development at Brisbane, with the pair winning a premiership together in 2024.
Ah Chee stayed in contact with his mentor after Davis departed the Lions at the end of 2024, and leant on his advice as he considered his playing future throughout last season.
Speaking to the media on Monday, Ah Chee explained how the Coaching Director’s words made Adelaide an appealing destination to continue his football career.
“I’ve got a really close relationship with Murray Davis, and he was really good for me throughout this whole process,” Ah Chee said.
“He was really honest with me about what the Club’s like, what the people are like and that ended up becoming a really big draw for me making the decision to come here.
“I’ve had a very long affiliation with Muz, I won my first premiership with him, he was my forward coach and also my backs coach throughout my time in Brisbane, so I’ve kind of been with him the whole way to be honest.
“I just think he’s a great person, and he’s so knowledgeable as well, he’s very understanding of his players and how they like to be coached, and that’s what I liked about him most.
“He’s always understood me and how I like to be coached, and I’m always going to have a lot of time for Muz.”
Another key factor behind Ah Chee’s decision to move was being closer to family.
He revealed his ties to the city of Adelaide, and why pulling on the Crows jumper would be a childhood dream come true.
“I supported Adelaide as a young kid, which is pretty surprising being a WA boy, but my Dad went for the Crows so I’ve always had that link there which is super exciting,” Ah Chee said.
“My brother lived in Adelaide for a long time as well and played for Port, so I’m very familiar with the town, I have family living here as well and it’s also a lot closer to Perth.
“The family aspect was the big pull for me, being in Brisbane for 10 years without any family support has been tough at times, but I got through that and I’m excited to be closer to family now and play for this footy Club which has such an exciting future ahead.”
The move to Adelaide will also allow Ah Chee to link up with former Gold Coast teammate Izak Rankine and fellow 2015 draftee Wayne Milera.
He said it would be a thrill to play alongside the duo, and revealed a hobby he had in common with Rankine.
“I played with Ranks (Izak Rankine) at Gold Coast, so it’s pretty special to be able to link up with him again,” Ah Chee said.
“Wayno (Wayne Milera) as well, we got drafted together so to be able to play with those boys will be pretty cool.
“They play a very exciting brand of football and I’m excited to have a front row seat to that on the field.
“Off the field, Ranks is super into his music, and I am as well, so it’ll be cool to be able to pick his brain about that as it is a big passion of mine.”
As for his impressions of the rest of the group, Ah Chee said he was impressed by what he saw in his first pre-season session.
“You can tell this group is very hungry, even being out there at training today, you could tell the standard was incredibly high which is awesome to see,” Ah Chee said.
“I’ve only been here for a very short period of time, but I’ve been really impressed with what I’ve seen on the track, and away from footy they are great fellas as well.
“I’m just super excited to get to know everyone more and be a part of this exciting group moving forward.”