Hugh Greenwood secures AFL contract with Adelaide Crows
Professional basketballer turned Australian Rules Football player, Hugh Greenwood has secured his first AFL contract with the Adelaide Crows.
The Crows have signed the former New Mexico Lobo stalwart and Perth Wildcat Greenwood to a rookie contract.
Greenwood, who once represented his country playing basketball with the Australian men's side and on the radar of multiple NBA clubs, having played for the Utah Jazz throughout the pre-season, has now signified his intentions after having a talented junior AFL career.
The Adelaide Football Club have continuously been in direct contact with the former point guard, having kept tabs on the talented player since the Under 16 National Championships playing for Tasmania (AFL).
Adelaide's national recruiting manager Hamish Ogilvie knows Greenwood has the ability to compete in any chosen sport.
"At 193cm, Hugh is a gifted and unique athlete who is driven to play sport at the highest possible level," described Ogilve.
Greenwood signs under a Category B rookie contract, which can be defined below:
• has not registered in an Australian Football competition for three years immediately before inclusion on the Rookie List; • is an international player, meaning he is not an Australian citizen and has not lived in Australia for a substantial period; • is a former NSW Scholarship player with that club; • is a former International Scholarship player with that club; • is a rookie Zone Selection for clubs based in NSW or Queensland.
Hard to put this moment into perspective. Thanks 2 my amazing support network, & to the @Adelaide_FC for believing and taking a chance on me
— Hugh Greenwood (@HGreenwood3) September 4, 2015
Signing on a rookie contract means that Greenwood is placed outside of the clubs 38-man senior list and can not play a senior level game unless elevated to the senior list due to a long-term injury or a player retiring.
Greenwood understands the challenges that lies ahead of him, and can somewhat relate to fellow code swapping stars Jarrod Hayne and Israel Folau.
“I know there will be plenty of challenges and obstacles ahead for me, but as an athlete that is what excites me and motivates me the most.”