As a wide-eyed 10-year-old in Lucindale, Darcy Fogarty still remembers the day the Crows rolled into town.

Now, years later, the Crows forward has come full circle - giving back to young fans by helping to host a coaching clinic in Murray Bridge alongside teammates Mitch Hinge, and Nick Murray, together with Premier Partner Thomas Foods International.

Speaking to AFC Media in Murray Bridge, Fogarty said it was a privilege to bring that same joy to hundreds of regional fans.

“I think the Crows came to Lucindale once when I was about 10 and I remember being there with Kyle Hartigan - it always stuck with me that they came,” Fogarty said.

“I think Sauce (Sam) Jacobs was there as well, it was always a dream of mine (to play for the Crows) and the Lucindale Football Club was a big driving factor of my development.

“You can see the involvement with the kids - I think there were about 350 kids here today - it means a lot to them

“It means a lot to the community and all the country clubs out here that don’t get the same exposure that some of the city kids get. To come out here and see the smiles on the kids’ faces is pretty rewarding.”

The clinic, hosted on Tuesday, was followed by a community barbecue, as well an autograph and signing session with players.

The afternoon was also a chance to inspire the next generation and reaffirm the Club’s connection in the regions and with grassroots footy.

Fogarty said the Club was grateful to have Thomas Foods’ support, which enabled the Club to get out to regional communities.

“We (the Club and Thomas Foods) are massively aligned,” Fogarty said.

“At the Crows, we have a real community feel.

“We are really centred  around earning the pride and being South Australia’s team, aligning with that community feel and that’s what we are striving for as a Club.”