After a strong preseason, a serious bicep injury on the eve of the home-and-away season would keep him from fulfilling his AFL dream until round 14.

But even then the footy gods weren't happy, with hamstring problems limiting him to just three outings.

But things are looking more positive for the AFL's oldest rookie, with the Clarence small forward yesterday winning promotion to Adelaide's senior list for the second year in a row.

The 29-year-old now looks set to line up in the Crows' opening round encounter with Gold Coast next weekend.

Adelaide coach Brenton Sanderson was yesterday confident Callinan could have an impact for his side in 2012.

``Ian has been fantastic, especially his last two or three weeks,'' Sanderson said on the club's website.

``It's a great story and we should be talking about it more.

``Here's a 29-year-old off the rookie list, who is playing his heart out for the club.

``I know he's going to have an outstanding year for us . . . at times we're going to need him.''

Callinan was recruited to Adelaide with the 64th selection in the 2011 rookie draft, coming to the Crows after stints with the Tassie Devils and SANFL club Central Districts.

He has been one of the Crows strengths in their successful NAB Cup campaign, adding physical pressure around the goals.

Callinan was instrumental a fortnight ago in helping his side qualify for the NAB Cup grand final, kicking one major and setting up three others in the second half of their clash with Collingwood.

In the main event of the preseason on Saturday, Callinan again impressed in the all-important small-forward role as Adelaide took home its first piece of silverware since 2003.

While, he may have failed to bring his kicking boots (finishing with 1.3), Callinan still finished with 15 disposals, an impressive number for someone playing in his position.

Adelaide will open its season against the Suns at Metricon Stadium on Saturday, March 31.