Callum Ah Chee finally made it to Adelaide, but as he puts it, it was a "strange situation".
The two-time Brisbane premiership player, following a second consecutive flag with the Queensland club, began exploring a trade to the club he "idolised".
A snarky trade period between the two clubs, saw no deal struck as the deadline hit, leaving Ah Chee in no man's land.
Without a contract for 2026, the utility was bound for the draft, meaning all clubs were able to snatch him up, albeit to the distaste of the Crows, who offered a future second and third-round pick.
However, normally in these circumstances, players find their desired home, and on Friday, after the pre-season draft, Ah Chee was officially an Adelaide player.
"It was a really strange situation, but I understand that footy at the end of the day is a business and the reality of it is these things can happen," Ah Chee told Crows media.
"It's been a little bit tough with the uncertainty of it all, but I had faith it would all get sorted out and we would end up where we are today.
"I'm finally happy to have closure now and move. I'm super thankful to the Brisbane Lions for everything they did for me and so appreciative of the past six years."
Ah Chee grew up supporting the Crows, along with his Dad, and can remember cherished memories watching "Andrew McLeod, Mark Ricciuto, Graham Johncock - they were my heroes growing up".
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The 28-year-old can recall heading to the airport to meet the stars with his father, and even wore the No.23 on his guernsey like McLeod.
"One of the big reasons I decided to join the Crows was the fact it gave me the chance to live out my dream as a kid," Ah Chee said.
"But also, I think they are in a great spot as a football club, and I really think I can add value to that with my experience across 10 years in the AFL system.
"The move also gives me the chance to be much closer to family as well. It will be awesome to bring my kids up a bit closer to home. My wife has close friends in Adelaide as well, and to be honest, it just made sense for us.
"Adelaide is a place I'm really familiar with, and to be able to embark on the next chapter of my footy journey there will be very special."
Ah Chee joins the Crows fresh off claiming the minor premiership in 2025, but failed to make a meaningful impact in the finals, bowing out in straight sets.
Adelaide also added Finnbar Maley from North Melbourne, as well as draftees Archie Ludowyke and Mitch Marsh.
