McAdam Raring To Go

By Dan Scamozzi

The sight of Shane McAdam at Claremont training has been one of the highlights of pre-season, with the gifted forward ready to resume his WAFL career with the Tigers in 2017.

McAdam, 21, spent the 2016 season back in Halls Creek after dazzling Claremont fans in 2015 with his blistering speed, pressure, tackling and eye for goal, which saw him kick three majors in his League debut against Subiaco, including a contender for Goal of the Year.

“I went back home for a year and had the year off,” McAdam said.

“I barely played any footy, but it’s good to get back home.

“I hadn’t been back for a while…I was in Perth for a few years, so it was good to get back home, see the family and catch up.”

After laying 35 tackles and kicking 19 goals in his 11 League games in 2015, a fully-fit McAdam will be a significant boost to the Tigers’ forward line.

“It feels good to be back,” McAdam said.

“I just need to work on my fitness and strength.

“(I’m) injury-free but just a bit sore.

“I haven’t been doing anything for a while, but I’ll get over it once I get back into it (training).”

McAdam often fell ill during and after games in 2015, but is confident that’s all behind him.

“I was getting a bit crook back in 2015, but everything seems fine now,” McAdam said.

“Once I get my fitness up, I’ll feel good.

“Everything seems to be clear – I haven’t been getting crook for a while, so once I get my fitness up, I’ll feel ready to go.

“I’ll just ease into it (training) for now.

“Once I get my fitness up, I’ll be ready for Round One, hopefully.”

McAdam paid tribute to fellow Halls Creek product and Claremont teammate, Sam Petrevski-Seton, who was selected by Carlton with pick six in the AFL National Draft.

“Sam is my first cousin, so it’s very good for our family to see it,” McAdam said.

“He’s a good, young man who’s been working hard for years just trying to get his dream, and he’s finally there, so I’m proud of him and good on him.”