Adelaide defender Nick Murray knows first-hand the toll of a tough season - not just on the football field - but on the farm.

Murray and former teammate Ned McHenry run a sheep property at Hartley, and have not only been impacted by South Australia’s drought, but know many farmers doing it tough.

And that is why the Crows’ drought support match, to be hosted during this weekend’s match against Gold Coast, means so much. 

As part of the match, the Crows will host SA farmers as special guests, with free tickets on offer.

Murray hoped the day would help the farmers feel supported.

“I know we can’t make a big impact financially or bring any rain, but I think this will give people a bit of an outlet,” Murray said.

“Growing up, footy and sport as a whole was a big thing for me, not that I came off a farm, but footy just gives people a time to get together as a community and take their mind off what’s happening.

“It hasn’t been too bad for us because ours is more of a hobby, but we destocked over summer, knowing that we hadn’t had much rain, and hay has been pretty sought after - we had to search far and wide just to find one bale. 

“Speaking to a few of these fellow farmers - a guy at Karoonda - who said he had to re-seed because he hadn’t had any rain. It’s been very challenging for them - last year wasn’t great, either, so it’s going to be two bad years in a row, which is starting to get quite stressful.”

The South Australian Government and Grain Producers SA, in partnership with Primary Producers SA, SA Dairyfarmers Association and Livestock SA, have teamed up with the Crows to deliver the Drought Support Match.

The State Government will contribute $100,000 toward the Rural Business Support Relief Fund, providing direct assistance to drought-impacted primary producers, while the Club’s Home Match Partner, Foodland, will also donate funds for Crows goals kicked on the day.

Murray, meanwhile, will also lead two footy clinics this week - one in Clare and another in Mannum - with the aim of brightening youngsters’ spirits.

“I approached the Club with the idea of knowing how much these farmers are struggling with the drought and knowing how the Crows are a big thing in the state,” Murray said.

“I know how much it meant to me when I was a little kid growing up and having AFL players come to your school - it leaves an impression there for the rest of your life.

“If we can just bring a few smiles and have a bit of a chat to the local community, that will get them away from thinking about farming for a while.

“It’s great to see everyone get on board - I think every dollar counts to go towards this to help the farmers.”

Murray’s 2025 AFL campaign hasn’t been all smooth sailing either, with the defender working his way back into form with the Crows’  SANFL side, after undergoing an arthroscope on his knee in April.

He said having the farm had helped him find perspective, as he continued to navigate a return to the AFL side.

“It’s been hard at times, especially coming back from such a big lay-off last year and having such a big pre-season, I felt like I was finally hitting my straps at the start of this year and then to be struck down with a knee injury and have to have surgery,” Murray said.

“It was obviously pretty disappointing but the farm has been a massive outlet for me to get out there and switch off.

“The knee is going really good now and  it’s probably feeling the best it has been since I had that major surgery in 2023.

“I am just getting some continuity in games and time on ground because it’s been a bit of an interrupted year. It's not an easy team to get into at the moment, so I’m just biding my time and trusting the process”

The Crows face Gold Coast in the drought support match at Adelaide Oval this Sunday at 4.10pm.

“If everyone could get there for the cause, have a beer and celebrate the game itself,” Murray said.

“If you see a country person in the crowd, go and have a chat with them because I think they’d really appreciate it.”

Tickets are available here.