ADELAIDE has rewarded Ian Callinan for a solid start to his AFL career by upgrading him to the club's primary list for the 2013 season.

The 29-year-old Tasmanian was drafted by the Crows with pick No.64 at the 2010 NAB AFL Draft after playing in four consecutive SANFL premierships with Central District.

At 172cm, Callinan is one of the AFL's smallest players, but has become a crowd- favourite with his nous around goal and attack at the football.

Crows list manager David Noble said keeping Callinan on the club's senior list was always on the cards, but they needed to assess the list before offering him a one-year deal.

"Ian was always part of our plans for next season but we needed to delay the decision to upgrade him until we had a closer look at our primary list numbers through the early stages of the trade and free agency periods," Noble said.

"He had a strong season, polled club champion votes in a lot of games, was our second highest goal kicker and was also a strong leader and mentor off the field.

"We are excited to be able to elevate Ian to our primary list."

Callinan kicked 39 goals in his 23 appearances this year.