The Adelaide Football Club is intent on establishing a world class training, administration and community facility, and has shifted its focus to Thebarton Oval. 

In recent months, the Crows have been undertaking extensive due diligence on two preferred suburban locations, with Thebarton Oval and the former Brompton Gasworks identified as being suitable.

However, the South Australian Government’s urban development agency, Renewal SA, has now informed the Club its submission was not the preferred development for the Brompton site.

Crows Chairman John Olsen said the prospect of a large commercial property developer coming over the top of Adelaide’s community-focussed plan had always been a distinct possibility.

“We owe it to our Members and supporters to explore these opportunities however we must never jeopardise the Club’s financial sustainability when considering any investment of this magnitude,” Olsen said.

“Our extensive due diligence and multi-criteria assessment has also shown our desired football outcomes could be achieved equally at either site, while our key Member and fan engagement initiatives could be delivered at Thebarton.

“We are determined to build a state-of-the-art training and administration facility which underscores our football-first focus and our unwavering commitment to deliver the type of on-field success we all want.

“This is an inter-generational project that will positively impact the Club and its players, coaches, staff, corporate partners, Members and supporters for decades to come.”

City of West Torrens Mayor Michael Coxon said he was excited at the prospect of the Crows moving to Thebarton.

“The council is supportive of Adelaide’s plans and we have been in long running discussions with their hierarchy,” Coxon said.

“We look forward to bringing to life the many and varied benefits that the Crows will generate for the people who live in Thebarton and surrounding suburbs.

“Their proposed facility will encompass the AFLW team’s home ground and it will be great for the growth of the women’s sport in our area.

“We will continue to work through the options with a view to finalising an agreement.”