Fireman Jay blazes a trail to 100 games

By ZAC MILBANK

Jay Boyle didn’t think he would reach double figures, let alone triple, as he prepares for his 100th Hostplus SANFL League match in Sunday’s First Semi-Final.

The first non AFL-listed Crow to reach the magical milestone, Boyle lost his love for the game after playing six League matches for Glenelg in 2016 and 2017.

Speaking on SANFL Radio, the 27-year-old went back to his junior club Brighton where he rekindled his enjoyment for the game before Adelaide came knocking on his door in 2020.

Then Crows SANFL coach Michael Godden was eager to get Boyle on board so once Adelaide resumed in the SANFL in 2021, he was unleashed in the tri-colours for the first time in Round 1 of 2021.

The strong-bodied midfielder with a penchant for tackling – he laid 16 in his 99th appearance – has since thrived in the SANFL program at West Lakes.

Boyle has claimed two Dean Bailey Awards as the club’s best SANFL-contracted player while also finishing runner-up best-and-fairest in 2022 and 2024.

But the lure of sharing in the ultimate SANFL success remains for the Adelaide-based firefighter, who has featured in the last three finals campaigns.

He’s also revelled in the opportunity to line-up alongside his younger brother Harry, who has also joined the Crows for the past two seasons.

Could the Boyle brothers be a part of Adelaide’s first SANFL premiership success? The siblings will need to win against the Redlegs in Sunday’s First Semi Final, then continue the momentum to a possible title-decider.