Anderson Returns for 2019

Harley Anderson is returning to the Adelaide Adrenaline but this season he is taking it to the next level.

In 2018, Anderson flew in and out of his home on the Gold Coast for home games, road games and as many training sessions as he could manage. This year he's taken it upon himself to move to Adelaide for the season.

It's a big testament to the culture of the Adrenaline and, most importantly, the leadership, initiative and willingness to get better from the 21-year-old forward.

"Moving for me was a very difficult decision, but the right one," says Anderson. "I have to leave my current workplace where I'm on my way in a career, but one day I woke up and it clicked for me - I am young, and this is a great opportunity and experience for me."

"It then became sort of easy - I'll be able to train and grow as part of the team, be around the boys and learn from people like [coach] Jim Fuyarchuk. It's going to help with chemistry and development for the team."

Anderson is looking to build on a strong rookie campaign. He had 5 goals, 6 assists and 11 points in 24 games for the young Adrenaline and was awarded the Club's "Rookie of the Year" award. He says consistency should improve by being around here full time.

"Last season was a great experience. It was a no brainer to come back and play for Adelaide. I have made some life long friends and all the people involved in the club are awesome. I know that as a team we want to prove we are better than last year," he says.

Harley says last year was a crash course in the AIHL, after previously only having experience in the open-men senior national "Browns" tournament and the Australian Junior Hockey League. 

"I think the biggest thing I learned is how hard you had to work every shift if you want to win. Nothing comes easy and if you don't give 100% every shift you won't be able to find much success," he says.

Harley and the Agile Group Adrenaline start their season April 20 in Melbourne and host defending champion Canberra on April 27 at home. Fans are encouraged to get their tickets early for what should be a capacity crowd.

QUICK SHOTS WITH HARLEY ANDERSON

Most listened to band on Spotify? I don't really have a specific band but some regulars right now are Taylor Swift, Luke Combs, Luke Bryan - but I pretty much listen to any genre and like to mix it up.

Favourite place to eat in Adelaide, outside of the Hilton Hotel of course: The Czech Club on a Friday night. The food there is amazing and it will be a regular spot for me this season.

Who's winning the Stanley Cup? San Jose Sharks.

Speciality Dish you can cook? I make an amazing Tuna pasta

Favourite Hockey Drill? Everyone has a different name for it but I know it as the Flow Drill. I like it because everyone has to be paying attention all the time and the passes have to be bang on. 

Teammate you'd most want to spend time alone with on a Desert Island? Ales because he would find a way to make it funny. 

You can see Harley Anderson back in Adelaide for our 2019 Exhibition Game as well as at our regular season games!