South Australian Commissioner of Police Grant Stevens has taken up a position on the Adelaide Football Club’s Board of Directors.

Stevens, who has led the State’s law enforcement since 2015, replaces former player Mark Ricciuto, with the latter retiring after reaching his tenure limit under the Club’s Constitution.

A passionate Crows fan who has served in the police force for four decades, he brings a broad skillset and played a crucial role in South Australia navigating the COVID-19 pandemic during which he was State Coordinator.

Stevens was also awarded the Australian Police Medal in 2012 and he is the Patron of the Adelaide Footy League.

Crows Chairman John Olsen said Stevens was a highly credentialed and respected community leader, who would complement the skills and qualities already present among existing Board Directors.

“Grant is a trusted leader, who has a deep commitment to serving our community, and he is particularly well known for his steady leadership in times of crisis,” Olsen said.

“His calm guidance during the global pandemic quite rightly earned him widespread praise and respect, and he has overseen some of our State’s most significant law enforcement and emergency initiatives.

“He also has a proven history in leading large and diverse groups of people.”

Stevens described the appointment as a privilege, adding he had been a long-standing Crows supporter.

“I’ve always been passionate about my footy and been involved in various roles at a grassroots level over the years,” Stevens said.

“I look forward to learning more about the Club’s operations and using my many and varied experiences to help where I can.”  

Adelaide’s Board of Directors is John Olsen (Chair), Linda Fellows (Deputy Chair), Richard Fennell, Stephen Roche, Shanti Berggren, Graeme Goodings, Imelda Lynch, Neil Balme, James Gallagher and Grant Stevens.