It’s a tough time of year when finals are out of the equation. There’s frustration, not just for the players, coaches and staff but for you as members and supporters too.
Footy is a passionate game and while we obviously would have loved a few more wins to this point, we need to consider where we are at in terms of the evolution of our playing list. I also acknowledge the ups and downs, not just from week to week but sometimes within games, can test your patience.
Our immediate challenge is to make sure we finish the season strongly in the remaining four games, starting with Carlton tomorrow night. We are seeing some encouraging performances from the likes of Sam Berry and Jake Soligo in the midfield, while Darcy Fogarty, Riley Thilthorpe and Nick Murray are also among those finding consistency in their performances.
The SANFL team sits in third spot on the ladder and well placed for a strong showing come finals. Credit must go to Mick Godden, his coaching group and the players for what they have been able to achieve so far.
It's a significant weekend for the Club because we are bringing together the premiership-winning players, as well as the many other significant contributors from 1997-98, for a 25-year reunion. We’ve put together a program of events so they can catch-up, enjoy each other’s company and reflect on our most successful men’s era. Since arriving in Adelaide, I have been keen to strengthen our connection and club fabric and these weekends are important.
Looking ahead to our Round 22 game against North Melbourne and we will be holding our annual member recognition round, and I encourage you to mark it in the diary. I hope as many of you as possible can get along on Saturday, August 13. The day will have added meaning because we will be launching our AFLW season, with our players involved in a motorcade around Adelaide Oval, among other activities.
Preparations for the women’s season – the second this year – are progressing well. The team has just returned from a pre-season camp in Darwin where players voted on the leadership group, before it was then endorsed by the Board and senior management.
Not surprisingly, Chelsea Randall will continue as captain and we are blessed to have such an outstanding leader and person helping to drive our sustained success. Chelsea will be supported by an unchanged leadership group, featuring Sarah Allan, Stevie-Lee Thompson, Ebony Marinoff and Eloise Jones, and their experience and ability to drive standards will be crucial in the months ahead.
I urge you to get behind our premiership-winning AFLW team by getting a membership. Starting from just $25, there’s a number of options and they present good value. To see all the packages and to sign up, click here.
Finally, our overall membership tally sits above 60,000 and I would like to sincerely thank each and every one of you for your support.
Go Crows!
Regards,
Tim Silvers
CEO
