Hall’s gap closing to SANFL 200 Club

By ZAC MILBANK

When Adelaide wingman Chris Hall chalked up his 150th SANFL game, he calculated that he would likely notch his 200th at the age of 30.

At the time, the Woodville-West Torrens premiership midfielder envisaged he would be a one-club player while also being hopeful his durable body would remain in tact.

Neither eventuated but to the 32-year-old’s credit, his persistence and willingness to embrace a new role as an experienced Crows development player will result in him joining the SANFL 200 Club when Adelaide tackles Port Adelaide at Adelaide Oval on Saturday afternoon.

”I made a lot of lifelong friends at the Eagles – it (leaving Eagles) wasn’t something I ever expected to be doing,” said Hall, who played 183 League games for the Eagles.

”After I got off the phone to Sheeds (Eagles coach Jade Sheedy), I was on the phone to Powelly (Eagles CEO Luke Powell) and I was bawling my eyes out as it was like leaving my family.

”So it was difficult at the time but since I’ve been at the Crows it’s been great, Godsy (coach Michael Godden) and Meersy (football manager Jarrod Meers) run a really good SANFL program.

”I’m really happy I did end up going out to the Crows because I’ve enjoyed every minute of it.”

A Flinders Park junior, Hall made his league debut in Round 6, 2008, against Sturt at Thebarton Oval as a 17-year-old and a strong campaign resulted in him being drafted to Fremantle.

After a two-year stint with the Dockers he returned to the Eagles just in time to play in their classic two-point 2011 grand final win against Central District.

Hall, who has kicked 131 goals in his 199 games, has had to overcome injuries in his two seasons with Adelaide to bring up his well-deserved magic milestone.

A hamstring and calf strain have delayed his celebration match in the second half of the season but he’s finally ready to reach his personal goal.

”The body is good enough and that’s all it needs to be!,” Hall said with a laugh.