Andrew McLeod (right) with Adelaide skipper Mark Bickley after the Crows’ 1997 grand final win. Photo: GETTY IMAGES
Despite a slow start to Andrew McLeod’s AFL career with Adelaide in 1995, “Bunji”, as he was nicknamed, would end his professional playing days as an all-time great of the sport.
However, the relationship between them hasn’t always been a harmonious one. So, let’s take a look at how and why things have changed between McLeod and the Crows.
His on-field application and commitment can’t be questioned.
The now 43-year-old demonstrated his world-class talents on numerous occasions during his 15-year tenure for the Crows. In turn, this led many to believe that he was the best player to ever play for the 20-year-old club.
Crucially, McLeod has been a key figure behind the Crows’ growth within the AFL, though after a poor start, Adelaide this season is currently 200/1 to win this season’s AFL premiership.
There can be no doubt McLeod enjoyed an impressive career while with the Crows. Throughout his trophy-winning career, the former half-back was twice awarded the prestigious Norm Smith medal for best on ground in the grand final.
This achievement places McLeod in an elite group, one of only four players to receive the award on multiple occasions, along with Dustin Martin, Gary Ayres, and Luke Hodge.
Besides his individual awards, the defender’s two premiership years of 1997 and 1998, showcase how pivotal McLeod was to the Crows’ modern-day success. Impressively, in 340 games for Adelaide, the Darwin-born player scored a total of 277 goals. Moreover, it’s a testament to his abilities and loyalty that he finished his career as the team’s record holder for the most games played.
However, despite being regarded as an all-time great, the former half-back and Adelaide have not always enjoyed a harmonious relationship. During his playing days, the now 43-year-old had differences with the club’s hierarchy when it came to dealing with inter-team disputes, as he was often critical of their handling regarding personal issues.
Unfortunately, it was the saga between McLeod and his long-term teammate, Tyson Edwards, that first brought about the ever-developing complicated relationship between both player and club.
As the situation resulted in a legal battle between numerous parties, it’s believed that McLeod grew unhappy with the Crows’ hierarchy. He felt support was lacking from the club. And despite the issue taking place 15 years ago, the Crows’ all-time record holder for the most games doesn’t appear to have fully let go.
On his podcast “Bunji and Brettster”, the two-time premiership player said he doesn’t feel comfortable walking back into the Crows’ changing rooms. He went on to say that Adelaide doesn’t have the same welcoming atmosphere as many other clubs.
Ultimately, it’s unlikely that McLeod will ever be remembered negatively by Crows supporters, even though his relationship with the club has gone in an unexpected direction.
Although it’s challenging to completely comprehend the issues between the two parties, it’s clear that cracks had begun to appear during the 43-year-old’s playing days, and, at the time of writing, those issues remain unresolved.
