I looked at the calendar this morning and was quickly reminded that our first pre-season game is just over a month away! Much has changed and been achieved in these summer months, but we now have to pick up the pace again and get plenty more done.

I’d like to thank you for doing your bit as the support for our Club is outstanding.

The membership tally has raced past the 50,000-mark and is well ahead of where we were at the same time last year, despite the renewal process being delayed for several weeks. We will continue to work hard to improve on last year’s record membership. Any support you can provide to encourage friends and family members to jump on board with one of the packages available would be appreciated.

Importantly, those who have signed up and have access to at least three home or away matches during the season, will be able to vote for who fills two spots on the Board, which is a first for the Adelaide Football Club.

There will definitely be an election as nominations for Board Directors close later today and as anticipated, several quality candidates have already put their hand up. I can’t say too much more at this stage due to the guidelines around this process, but keep an eye on afc.com.au in coming days as we will publish a full list of those in the running. Two nominees will get to play a huge role in driving this Club forward. There is a lot of work to do, but plenty of scope available to grow and improve.

Many of you have also been in touch to congratulate Tex on becoming captain and I have to say he is settling into the role beautifully. Walshy has said it several times in the media and he is spot on when describing Tex as a natural leader, who has that rare ability to influence those around him. Tex is also fortunate to be able to call on his mates in the leadership group for support. To this end, after working in elite sport for more than two decades, I can say the likes of Nathan van Berlo, Rory Sloane, Patrick Dangerfield, Scott Thompson and Daniel Talia measure up well against the best Club leaders I have come across.

Now, this note wouldn’t be complete without comment on the Adelaide Oval review – in fact, since arriving in Adelaide a few months ago I have received more questions about this review than what I think of the city itself! Rest assured we are getting very close to finalising the stadium deal and I am confident all parties will walk away comfortable with the outcome, which should be great news for every South Australian footy fan. And for those that did want to know what I think about the city itself – well, I’m absolutely loving it!

Thanks again for your support.

Regards
Andrew