Belushi’s Presents: Player Spotlight – Tom-Andre Anderson
Belushi’s Presents: Player Spotlight
Tom-Andre Anderson
Each week, AFL Europe in combination with Belushi’s will take a look at one of our star players competing in fixtures across the continent in Player Spotlight.
Will Taylor – AFL Europe
Despite being born and bred in Bergen, Norway, Tom-Andre Anderson is a passionate AFL man.
Australian Football became an interest of Tom’s when he travelled to Australia and to the magnificent Adelaide Oval.
Here he saw AFL club Port Adelaide in full force and Tom was hooked from the moment he heard ‘Never Tear Us Apart’ loud and clear from the Power faithful.
It was a different game to Tom but it was the unique nature of the sport that captured his attention.
“I like how it feels a lot more free flowing than soccer, which was the sport I grew up with.”
“There is not as much staging and staling for time and I also love the unique aspects of the sport such as big pack marks.”
Despite his passion for the sport, It wasn’t until three years ago that Tom became involved with AFL in Europe.
“I started playing in 2015. I had seen a few clips on YouTube from games played in Australia and found out that there was a team in Oslo. I started training and I loved it.”
Finding his form in the forward pocket, the Norwegian was lucky enough to attend the 2018 AFL Europe Champions League as part of the Oslo Crows side.
“The Champions League in Amsterdam is always a fantastic tournament to take part in. The highlight on field was scoring the match winner in our one win during this year’s tournament.”
Tom in action for the Oslo Crows during the 2017 AFL Europe Champions League.
Optimistic about the future of Australian Rules in Norway’s capital, the warehouse manager is enjoying some innovative changes occurring at the Crows this season.
“Luckily we have a few new faces this year at training so 2018 should be a lot better!
“Off the field we have a new board and we have got some exciting things coming up to build the footy club.”
With some initiatives in place, the 32-year old is now preparing for some tough matches in the upcoming season.
Now in his fourth season at the club, a premiership remains the ultimate goal for the Crows veteran.
“The ultimate goal for the club this season is getting good numbers to every match and training.”
“We also want to grow the game in Oslo and of course, win a premiership!”
Is there someone at your club with an outstanding football story that deserves to be recognised? Get in touch, riley.brettell@afleurope.org
