Adelaide midfielder Hugh Greenwood has been recognised for his ongoing commitment to driving awareness of breast cancer as the winner of the 2018 Crows Children’s Foundation Community Leadership Award.

The accolade, which was established by the Foundation in 2015 to recognise players’ contributions to the community, was awarded to Greenwood at the Crows Club Champion presentation at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre on Friday night.

In recent years, and particularly in the past 12 months, Greenwood has bravely shared the story of his late mother Andree ‘Onny’ Greenwood’s battle with breast cancer in order to drive greater awareness of the disease. 

The 26-year-old has also undertaken significant fundraising, raising $75,000 for the cause, and earlier this year became an official ambassador for the Breast Cancer Network Australia. 

The ambassador role saw him wear pink shoe laces in his custom-made football boots which feature “’09 mum” on the side, representing the year his mum was first diagnosed.

Andree, who was affectionately known as Onny, passed away in October 2017 after fighting metastatic breast cancer for nine years.

She was a significant influence on Greenwood’s life, from inspiring him to take up basketball and coaching him during his early years, to supporting him through his transition to Australian Rules and witnessing him make his debut for the Crows.

Crows Children’s Foundation Manager Louise McDonald said Greenwood was extremely deserving of the award.

“Hugh is extremely passionate about raising awareness of breast cancer to honour his mum and the Foundation and Club are incredibly proud of his efforts,” McDonald said.

“Furthermore, Hugh always displays great compassion to all of the special guests who visit the Club because they are doing it tough in one way or another.

“His willingness to attend a 16-year-old’s surprise birthday party, who had recently lost his mother to breast cancer, and his involvement in the Kick Start for Kids July camp, staying hours longer than required to spend time with disadvantaged children, are just two examples of Hugh’s kindness. He displays generosity and a willingness to go above and beyond for a good cause.

“On behalf of the Club I would like to congratulate the entire playing group for their efforts this year, both with the Foundation’s partners and their own personal motivations, but particularly Hugh who has been a standout in terms of giving back to the community.”

Winners of the Crows Children’s Foundation Community Leadership Award

2015 – Taylor Walker
2016 – Kyle Hartigan & Charlie Cameron
2017 – Eddie Betts
2018 – Hugh Greenwood