Nigel Osborn To Make League Debut

28 year old Nigel Osborn will make his league debut for West Adelaide on Friday. Nigel’s story is one of hard work, determination and resilience. Nigel played his junior football at SMOSH West Lakes, Henley Sharks and Woodville West Torrens.

“I played under 17s, under 19s, Reserves and then under 18s at the Eagles. Then I got dropped from the Eagles and went back to Henley Sharks where I actually played with Gav before he started coaching there a year after. I then went over to CMS Crows on the Yorke Peninsula for 3 years, then Mallala in the Adelaide Plains for 2 years.” Osborn said.

By this time Gavin was coaching our reserves side at Westies and had spoken to Mark Mickan about wanting to get Nige at West Adelaide.

“Mark Mickan gave me a call at the end of the 2016 season to see if I wanted to give Westies a go.”

Excited about the opportunity Nigel began 2017 preseason with Westies. Unfortunately two months in he had some serious back problems which required spinal fusion surgery. His rehab included 3 months of nothing but pilates and aqua therapy and then progressed to light weights and light bike work, followed by jogging 5 months post-surgery. It was exactly 12 months after his back surgery that he first pulled on a West Adelaide guernsey in the reserves side in 2017.

“Altogether it was 20 months without a game of footy, but since then I haven’t missed a game”

Gavin Colville describes Nigel as extremely versatile but also someone who never gives up in a contest with a fantastic contested mark.

In 2018 Nigel won the players “Bloods Footy” award. Presented for the first time in 2018, the “Bloods Footy” award is given to the player who best displays the characteristics we look for. As an award selected by the players it is highly regarded and Nigel is a fitting recipient.

Captain Tom Keough spoke of Nigel saying he is the ultimate professional who is loved and respected by the players.

We wish Nigel all the best in his league debut on Friday.