Eagle stops in on Hedland players

The Hedland Reds junior footy teams have kicked off another season, albeit with the help of a multi-talented visitor last week.

West Coast Eagles recruit Corey Adamson dropped by the Reds' training session last Wednesday as part of the AFL club's regular Kicking Goals visits to Port Hedland.

And just like another Eagles recruit, Irishman Paddy Brophy who visited Hedland in March, Adamson is an example of how it is possible to make it into the AFL via unusual pathways.

Having played Australian Rules and baseball growing up in WA, Adamson set his sights on a career in the US after he was recruited by the San Diego Padres Major League team at age 16.

But after six years trying to crack the big league, the Eagles paid him a visit in the US last year and managed to re-recruit him back to the Australian sport.

"I never thought I would be back playing football, but I'm really happy I am," he said.

"It was a big change for me but one I am happy with, and really thankful to the Eagles to have taken a punt to see what they can get out of me."

Adamson's unusual path to the AFL also led to him fielding some unusual questions from the Hedland juniors.

After answering questions, such as how he played centrefield in baseball and as an inside midfielder in Australian Rules and that his fastest baseball throw was recorded at over 160km/h, he was eventually stumped when asked if he had ab muscles.

Yet the question was soon forgotten as the juniors raced out to take part in a series of fun drills.

Hedland Reds president Jannine Sirulis was delighted with Adamson's visit, but also put out a call for volunteers to help with training drills and other roles at the club.

She said with junior numbers growing in Hedland each year and the Reds' under-15 and 17s teams travelling to Karratha to play against local teams there, there was plenty of work to ensure it ran smoothly.

"We have lots of players, but parent help is always a struggle because in a town like this we've always got people doing long shifts," she said.

"So any help is always grateful."