Adelaide’s AFL player leaders and some of their younger teammates have been impressed by their first look at the Club’s new state-of-the-art facility at Thebarton.
Touring the development as construction continues to progress, the players were given an insight into what will soon become the Crows’ new home, complete with elite training, recovery and community facilities.
Forward Josh Rachele was thrilled by his first look at the development, highlighting the impact it would have on players, staff and supporters alike.
“I think it's amazing. I didn't expect too much coming in but I'm absolutely stoked to see what it's looking like,” Rachele said.
“I think a lot of the players are going to be so excited in the next few months when we move in officially, and I think it's going to bring a great culture not only for the players but for the staff.”
Rachele said the new headquarters would strengthen the Club’s connection with its members and fans by providing greater access to players and training sessions.
“I think one of the most important things is just being able to have access for the fans to come in and watch our trainings.”
He also pointed to the integrated AFL and AFLW facilities as a major feature of the development.
“I've heard we're the first Club to have equal joint facilities with the AFLW program. I think the training, recovery and player facilities is going to be major in helping both the AFL and the AFLW in getting success in the near future,” he said.
“I loved the sauna and the changerooms, I'm super excited.
“I think it's going to help us become a destination club. To have these elite facilities now, it's going to help bring in better players, better people.”
Key forward Riley Thilthorpe said the size and scale of the facility stood out immediately.
“I’m pretty excited to get in here and get to work. It's a lot bigger than I thought it'd be, it's very exciting,” Thilthorpe said.
“What surprised me was probably the length of it. I think it's 150 metres long. So, it's a very big facility.
“They’ve done a great job designing it and I can't wait to see the finished product. Seeing the facilities like saunas, gym, all the stuff that we use day to day, and the new changerooms, has got me excited.”
Thilthorpe also highlighted the benefits the precinct would provide across all levels of the Club.
“To potentially have SANFL games here and for our AFLW side to have a real home is super exciting, and for it to be such a state-of-the-art one is awesome,” he said.
Ruck Reilly O’Brien said seeing the scale of the project in person was even more impressive than he had imagined.
“I've seen some images, obviously before, of what it was going to be, but to go through it, it's unbelievable,” O’Brien said.
“It's very, very exciting for the footy club, and it'll be a great home for a very long time.
“It’s a massive privilege for everyone at the Club now and everyone to come. It looks like it's going to be one of the best facilities in Australia, and the world.
“It'd be a real privilege for any player to come through the Crows and spend some time here because it's going to be absolutely awesome.”
Supporters still have the opportunity to become part of the development through the Club's pledge a picket initiative, creating a lasting connection to the new headquarters with a named picket or personalised message surrounding the oval.
Click here to pledge your picket today.
Completion of the Thebarton Oval Precinct remains on track for the end of this year.
