Young Crows fan Madi Fox provided some inspiration for the playing group on Wednesday when she visited training ahead of Showdown 45 as part of the Crows Children’s Foundation’s partnership with Variety.

Madi was seriously injured when she was hit by a car walking her dog Bentley three years ago.

Initially in a coma, Madi’s family, long-time Crows members, reached out to the Club for support and Madi received a visit from former Crow Patrick Dangerfield as part of the Crows Care program.

The initial visit was followed by several more and Madi has since formed a strong connection with Tom Lynch, who has supported her through her rehabilitation.

Now 12, Madi has had to learn how to walk, talk, eat and do everything again but three years later she is back in mainstream school and regularly attends Crows matches.

Madi’s mum Sally said the relationship Madi has developed a number of players has been instrumental in her recovery.

“It really made a huge difference, not only to Madi but the whole family,” she said.

“The drive that it has given us by seeing the enthusiasm that they have with Madi has been phenomenal, it just gives us that extra bit of energy to keep fighting.

“It’s something we will always remember, and it means the world to us.”

Madi was one of several kids at Adelaide Oval watching training and meeting players on Wednesday as part of the partnership between Variety SA and the Crows Children's Foundation, which runs the Crows Care program.

The three-year partnership between the organisations is focused around the bi-annual Showdown and sees the presentation of the “Variety Showdown Shield”.

Variety SA supports the Crows Children’s Foundation, core programs with a focus on improving health, wellbeing, education and future pathways for local children in need.