Carey moves back to go forward to 100 games

By ZAC MILBANK

It’s difficult to picture Sturt premiership defender Henry Carey as a strong-marking key forward.

But that’s exactly how the 27-year-old began his journey with the Double Blues in the Under-16s, booting 23 goals in eight games and then a further 31 for the Under-18s.

Speaking on SANFL Radio as he prepares for his 100th Hostplus SANFL League game on Saturday, Carey reflected on his dramatic transition which came under premiership mentor Martin Mattner.

Making his League debut in Round 3 of 2016, Carey started his senior career as a medium forward, fondly remembering booting the sealing goal in the final term of his debut against Central at Unley.

Sturt’s No.3 would go on to play in his team’s drought-breaking premiership against the Eagles later that year, an event Carey admits he didn’t grasp the enormity of at such a young age.

As a result, through selection pressure and form, Carey managed just four League games across 2017 and 2018, ensuring he would have to display great persistence and a genuine love for his beloved Blues.

Since then, he has become a fixture of Sturt’s back six while also enjoying the opportunity to play a bit higher up the ground off a wing in 2024.

It is a role the Wirreanda Secondary College teacher hopes will continue against Adelaide at Thomas Farms Oval when he chalks up triple figures.