Rory Laird

An Adelaide local, Laird played for Kenilworth before developing his craft with SANFL side West Adelaide. The Crows selected him as a rookie in 2011. In 2013, he was elevated to Adelaide’s senior list, making a name for himself and receiving two 22under22 selections. He passed 40 disposals on four occasions in 2018, his prolific work on the ball saw him make two All Australian squads before earning back-to-back selections in 2017/18. A monumental 2018 also saw him claim the Crows’ Club Champion award. Laird was at his reliable-best in 2019 across 22 games, the half-back averaging 28.3 touches per game, including 23 effective, and led the Club for total rebound-50s with 111. In a season where he played his 150th game, Laird placed second in the 2020 Club Champion, just one point behind winner Reilly O’Brien. Laird claimed the Club's 2021 and 2022 Malcolm Blight Medal after completing his transformation from one of the best defenders in the competition to one of its premier onballers. Laird continued his consistent form into 2023, where he averaged 29 disposals and eight tackles (rated elite across the competition for both). He played all 23 games in 2024, averaging 27.6 disposals and five clearances, to finish fifth in the Crows' Club Champion count.