The Adelaide Football Club has reached an historic agreement with its official banking partner, Bendigo Bank.

The Club has secured a debt facility which will ensure it maintains independence, rather than rely on an AFL financial assistance package.

Bendigo Bank has held Premier Partner status with the Club since 2014, giving it a strong presence on game days and matchday activations.

It also has a range of special offers for Crows fans and members, including the Adelaide Crows Debit Mastercard.

Crows Chairman John Olsen said the ability to be unassisted by the League would be telling as the Club emerged from the biggest financial crisis in the sport’s history.

“Liquidity was the number one priority for all businesses and organisations when the impact of the coronavirus pandemic hit and we are fortunate to be able to turn to Bendigo Bank,” Olsen said.

 “The terms of our loan agreement reflect our strong and lengthy relationship, and we are excited by the prospect of continuing to work with Bendigo Bank given our shared values and a community-minded approach. 

“Our Club can now move forward with certainty and importantly, we are in control of our own destiny.”

Bendigo Bank’s Executive Business Banking Bruce Speirs said the deal further solidifies the relationship and reflects both organisations’ shared community values and commitment to long-term success.

“Like Bendigo Bank, the Adelaide Football Club is a community-focused organisation with a longstanding commitment of feeding into community prosperity,” Speirs said.

“Our relationship banking model has never been more important than in times like these and we’re pleased - through our long and trusted partnership - to provide a solution to enable the Club to take charge of its future and manage through this challenging period with the bank by its side.

“We look forward to continuing the support the Crows so they can emerge even stronger at the end of this pandemic.”