McIntyre, 22, spoke to afc.com.au following the draft and said he would know a few faces when he walked into the change rooms for the first time as a listed player on Wednesday.
“I’ve played a bit of footy with Richy Tambling, Aidan Riley, Brodie Martin and Matty Jaensch at Sturt. I also played some Under-18 footy with Taylor Walker and they’re all great guys,” said McIntyre.
Having been overlooked as an exciting teenage talent, the speedy midfielder or forward said he was desperate to make the most of his opportunity at AFL level.
“It’s a great opportunity, but the hard work begins now,” he said.
“I can’t wait to get started and work my bum off to really prove myself and hopefully I can get some games.”
The former AIS-AFL Academy graduate said he was also excited about the prospect of working closely with new coach Brenton Sanderson.
“I’m really looking forward to being coached by him,” he said.
“He’s obviously got a fantastic background having spent time with Geelong and I’m hoping I can fast- track my development under his guidance.”
Following keen interest from Sturt at the end of 2008, McIntyre decided to relocate to Adelaide from his native Corowa, NSW, in a bid to keep his AFL dream alive.
“I received a call from Sturt’s Football Manager and Luke Norman [former senior coach] and said they were keen to get me over here (S.A),” McIntyre said.
“I decided to make the move over and it’s definitely been a good one.”
The qualified carpenter had a number of impressive performances for the Double Blues in season 2011, including an eight-goal performance against Glenelg in round 19 and a six-goal haul against Port Adelaide the next round.
He was also the leading goalkicker for the Murray Bushrangers in 2006.
At 180cm and 80kg, McIntyre will be vying to bring added pace and firepower to the Crows forward line.
