FEW men have made a larger impact on South Australian country football than Adam Merrett.
The man known as “Hoggett” has both played and coached the SA Country team and was this week selected at full forward in the SANFL’s team of the decade.
He joins former Penola team mate Simon Berkefeld in the side which is an unofficial list decided by football writer Peter Argent, state selector and Murray South East regional director Scott Duncan and SA Country coach Steve Lubke.
Merrett said he was pleased to be named as part of the esteemed list.
“I am pretty honoured to get the position at full forward,” he said.
“I had the honour of playing or coaching with many of the guys picked in that side in the last few years and I was pretty excited to see my name on there.”
Merrett said he was also surprised, as he was not aware of the announcement until he received congratulatory messages.
“I did not actually see it, but a few mates sent me a some messages which was very humbling,” he said.
“There have been some good players over the last 10 years at that level.”
Merrett’s time wearing the SA Country jumper is defined by two eras of his career.
He first played for the team as a defender from 2004 to 2010 before a comeback to the state level four years later as a forward.
In his seventh SA Country game, but first as a goal kicker, Merrett said he felt as anxious as ever upon return.
“When I played my first SA Country game in five years in WA at 32, I was just as nervous as an 18-year-old,” he said.
“It is funny how things go, but you use that nervous energy as a player or coach and make sure you deliver the best you can.”
Despite making several more appearances defending the goals rather than attacking them, Merrett said his most memorable moment occurred when he was a forward in his final year playing for the team.
“In 2015 we went over to Western Australia, I kicked six goals and we won by 60 or 70 points,” he said.
“I think I had 10 shots at goal, so it was a good day out.
“We had a good side and the delivery was superb.
“But you have to finish off the hard work when you are playing up forward.
“If you have a shot at goal, you have to go back and nail it.”
Other achievements in Merrett’s SA Country career include All Australian selection as a defender in 2008, while he coached the team against WA at Optus Stadium last year.
Throughout the 15-year period he has been associated with the Croweaters, Merrett said he has played alongside some talented individuals.
“I got the privilege to play with Simon at Penola and state level,” he said.
“He is an elite footballer, worked so hard on his fitness and was a great performer across all levels.
“Brian Fenton was a great competitor and Todd Miles played anywhere.
“It was always a privilege to play with anyone in the state side.”
Looking back at his time in SA Country colours, Merrett said he has made some unforgettable memories.
“It was always great to play in SA v WA matches,” he said.
“They always put on a great show and are good people.
“When you get the opportunity to put your hand up, you gain memories for life.”
