Why Ah Chee made “tough” call to leave Lions for Crows

Andrew Slevison • December 2nd, 2025 11:32 am

Adelaide recruit Callum Ah Chee has explained the thought process behind his move away from Brisbane.

The 28-year-old was selected by the Crows in the pre-season draft which concluded a somewhat complicated exit from the Lions who could not agree a deal in the trade period.

After a successful six-year stint with the Lions, Ah Chee clarified why he opted to leave on the back of two flags and some career-best form.

The Perth native says the overriding reason was to move closer to home with his wife Laura, four-year-old son Iver and one-year-old daughter Daisy.

“There was a multitude of reasons. I’ve spent 10 years in Queensland now and I’m a Perth boy originally so I’ve been away from family on the other side of the country for a very long time,” the former Gold Coast Sun told SEN Breakfast.

“I’ve got a young family of my own, so that was a big drawing point to get closer to home. I have family here in SA, my aunty and uncle live here, I’ve got a lot of really close friends. So that from a family point of view made a lot of sense for us, just to bring the kids up closer to home.”

Ah Chee says the sporting reasons for moving were also significant enough to up and go after being a key contributor in back-to-back premierships.

“Then obviously the Adelaide footy club offered me a really exciting opportunity to play there long term. That really excited me, I wanted to be part of a footy club that I believe is in the premiership window as well,” he added.

“They’re on a really exciting journey. I’ve played against the Crows a lot of times and they’ve got a really exciting young group that I think I’d really fit into.

“Speaking to ‘Nicksy’ (Matthew Nicks) over the course of the year and what he had to say excited me. I think I will really fit in here and offer a lot with my experience. My journey over my career will definitely add to the footy club.

“So there’s a list of reasons but it just made a lot of sense for us as a family to come here and closer to Perth.”

Ah Chee first floated the idea “three quarters of the way through the year” before telling Lions head coach Chris Fagan and footy boss Danny Daly officially after the Grand Final triumph in his exit review.

While it was difficult to make the final call, it was made easier by the fact that it came as no major surprise to both Fagan and Daly.

“It was extremely hard,” he replied. “This was a decision that I had to fight with for a very long time. It’s not something that I just thought about overnight.

“It was tough. I’ve had six amazing years at Brisbane and won two flags which not many people get to do. I didn’t even think I’d play in a Grand Final.

“I’ve got such great relationships with everybody at Brisbane and it was a sad and bittersweet time. I went in pretty transparent and had some good chats with ‘DD’ throughout the year too.

“So it wasn’t a surprise (to them). I’m just glad that I went about it the right way and was open and honest.”

There is a misconception that Ah Chee joined the Crows for more money.

But did they blow the Lions out of the water with their offer?

“Not necessarily, but the big pull was the family thing,” Ah Chee said further.

“It just made so much sense for us to be around a bit more support and to be around friends and family.

“It was something I thought long and hard about. We do love Brisbane, we have a house there and we’ve loved our time in Brissie, it’s a beautiful spot.

“But I’m excited for getting to know Adelaide.”

He admits the non-trade in October made it a time of uncertainty before the Crows called his name out in the pre-season draft.

“It was pretty frustrating. Knowing we had to wait another month until we knew what we were doing.

“Because realistically anyone can pick you up in the draft, so there was a bit of uncertainty.

“I understand this is the way footy works now, there is a business side of things and I understand that. I had to be realistic with the decisions I made but I had really good faith in my manager, Benny (Williams), that he was going to sort it all out.

“I’m here now, that’s in the past, and I’m excited for the future.”

Ah Chee linked up with his new teammates for the first time at West Lakes on Monday.

He played 124 games and kicked 75 goals for the Lions after 45 games and 24 goals for the Suns for career totals of 169 and 99.

The two-time premiership player will wear the No.4 jumper at the Crows.