Adelaide forward Darcy Fogarty says visiting flood-stricken areas of South Australia is a real “confronting” and “eye-opening” experience.

And Fogarty says Crows players are keen to do what they can to bring some joy to the communities hit hard by the flood crisis.

The 23-year-old is part of a group of players and staff who travelled to the Riverland on Monday for the Club’s 2023 AFL Community Camp.

Speaking to the media at a visit to Berri Primary School on Tuesday, Fogarty said he was shocked by the extent of flood damage but proud to learn just how resilient the communities were.

“To drive through places like Waikerie, seeing the amount of water that is out there is eye opening and pretty confronting,” Fogarty said.

“It hasn’t been easy for them, but to see how tight-knit the community is and how they’re holding together is pretty good.

“It’s a great opportunity, some of the boys from Melbourne have come and they haven’t been to these country towns in SA, so for them to get out here and experience what it’s like and how small communities stick together in hard times is pretty good.

“For people to lose their homes and some of their belongings is not something you’d want to happen to anyone.”

“To drive through places like Waikerie... (it's) eye opening and pretty confronting.

For the past two years, all AFL clubs have conducted community camps virtually because of the pandemic. 

Fogarty said players were pleased to be able to return to the communities, meet fans and have a kick and a catch with students to hopefully inspire the next generation.

“To be able to get back out, see people and hopefully put a smile on and take their minds off what’s going on for a little bit is good,” Fogarty said.

“It’s an eye-opening experience that you look back on and hope you lifted a couple of spirits.”

The Lucindale product finished the 2022 season as one of the League’s most accurate kicks for goal with a total of 33 majors from 17 games.

He said he was keen for Adelaide’s 2023 campaign to kick off, which gets underway against GWS on March 19. 

“Fingers crossed everyone stays fit and we have a successful year,” Fogarty said.

“We’ve got a dangerous forward line and hopefully we can start getting some continuity and play good footy all around.”