Few moments on the football calendar evoke the same level of excitement and anticipation as a Showdown week and this one is no different. It is high stakes given we face the harsh reality that a win is needed to keep alive any hopes of September action and a victory against our local rival is an annual priority. 

We understand the challenge that confronts us but as they have done all year, the coaches and players are approaching the next month with an intense focus and commitment to deliver success in our upcoming games against Port, GWS, North Melbourne and Carlton.

The topic of injuries has been a regular discussion point throughout this season, both here and across the industry, but this week we have the most positive injury news of the year, with Brodie Smith returning from a 10-month layoff following his knee reconstruction. It is always special to see any athlete who has been out for a long time and then worked so hard, to finally get back to the elite level. I think we are all looking forward to that trademark kick and watching him flying off half back tomorrow. Welcome back mate!

I would also like to thank Variety SA for their support of the Showdown this season. They are one of the State’s truly inspiring organisations who over many years have supported local kids and families facing challenges. All children should be able to follow their dreams and be the best they can be, no matter what life throws at them and we are very proud to be working with Variety SA, which is providing valued support to our own Crows Children’s Foundation. Let’s hope we are holding up the Variety Showdown Shield on Saturday night!

Off field, there is always plenty happening. This week, Football Park has been in the news with the demolition process getting underway in earnest. Quite a few images have been circulating in different media forums over the last 24-hours, and it has prompted a lot of questions about what impact this may have on our football program. Put simply, the answer is very little. We have 30 years to run on our current lease and we have a strong relationship and regular communication with both the SANFL and developers, Commercial & General.

Our coaches, players and high performance staff will maintain their current levels of access to the playing surface, which in terms of quality will continue to meet international standards. Aside from some noise and limited short-term inconvenience, the only eventual change will be the removal of the grandstands and in turn a greater opportunity for Crows fans to watch the team train. 

The AFL released its audited membership figures this week and thanks to your passion, commitment and loyalty the Club experienced another year of growth. You are amazing and we will continue to do all we can to make you proud.

While our extraordinary home game attendances are underpinned by our ticketed members, particularly those with an 11-game package, I also want to thank those members who are not recognised by the AFL count. As we have previously outlined and given our capacity issues at Adelaide Oval, one area of focus in recent years has been to develop a membership relationship with as many of our 700,000 fans as possible, including through our We Fly As One digital membership.

Many WFAO Members purchase daily tickets to games, Crows merchandise, attend Club events and obviously engage deeply through our digital platforms, which also supports our growth. We know who you are, communicate with you regularly and know that you invest in the Club beyond the AFL’s $50 membership threshold.

Each Club has differing membership structures, models and priorities that are often influenced by stadium size and as a result the published numbers do change and this can be confusing. We will continue to recognise all of our Members for their contribution to the health and vitality of our Club, and currently the tally sits at about 95,000.

If you are a fan of the Club and one of the traditional ticketed memberships is unavailable or does not meet your current needs, then I encourage you to become a We Fly As One Member. To each and every one of you, thank you for being a part of the Crows family. It is recognised and appreciated.  

Tomorrow is a massive game and I can’t wait. Let’s see if we can go one ahead in the all-time Showdown ledger. See you at the footy!

Regards, 
Andrew