Adelaide star Jake Soligo had Channel Seven’s commentary panel in disarray after his team’s win over arch-rivals Port on Thursday night when he revealed where he had hidden his Showdown medal.
The midfielder scooped the award for his best performance on the ground, racking up 28 disposals and 10 tackles in the Crows’ 12.6 (78) to 5.18 (48) win.
In the sheds after the match, the 21-year-old had footy greats Dale Thomas, Joel Selwood and Abbey Holmes bursting into laughter when Thomas asked where his prize was.
“Where did the medal go?” the former Collingwood and Carlton star asked.
The 21-year-old was a clear choice for the Showdown Medal (pictured) after 28 disposals and 10 tackles in the Crows’ upset victory
Soligo was all smiles after collecting his silverware – and placing it in a very safe place so it wouldn’t fall out as he ‘wandered around the oval’
“Ah, it’s in me somewhere, jocks,” Soligo replied.
“I was wandering around the oval so I didn’t want to lose it.”
“We’re not going to talk about that,” Selwood joked.
After the match, Soligo’s fellow Crow Matt Crouch was full of praise as he predicted big things for his teammate.
‘He is tough. He is clean on the ball and his work rate is also enormous,” Crouch told reporters on Friday.
Soligo ‘absolutely’ had the qualities to be among the best midfielders in the competition, Crouch said.
“He’s very clean and he can make good decisions,” he said.
“And as you saw last night, his match material is huge, so his development has been really good.”
Crows gun Matt Crouch said Soligo (pictured receiving his medal on Thursday evening) has all the skills to be one of the AFL’s best midfielders
Crouch, who played his 150th AFL game in the win against the Power, was also encouraged by another factor in the triumph: Adelaide’s inexperienced defence.
Irishman Mark Keane (17 games), Josh Worrell (25), Max Michalanney (30), Luke Nankervis (nine) and debutant Dan Curtain limited Port to just two goals after quarter-time.
“It’s really promising,” Crouch said.
‘We talked after the game about the defenders and how well they stood up for us.
“And you forget how little footy they’ve actually played together, so it’s really exciting for this footy club to see those boys playing some great footy.”
The Crows host last year’s defeated grand finalist Brisbane on Saturday ahead of an MCG meeting against reigning premier Collingwood.