Young Crows fan Madi Fox will provide some extra inspiration for Adelaide when it runs out for the AFLW semi final match against Collingwood at Unley Oval on Saturday.
The 16-year-old attended AFLW training several weeks ago and, after meeting the players, she left them moved by her passion, determination, and resilience.
She was an obvious choice for when the opportunity arose for a young fan to lead Adelaide onto the field for the crucial clash.
Madi was hit by a car seven years ago when she was walking her family’s dog Bentley in the Adelaide Hills. She sustained a traumatic head injury and spent more than six months in hospital recovering, which included learning to walk, talk, eat and do everything again.
It’s been a long journey but fast forward to 2022 and Madi is thriving. She is a keen basketballer, recently representing SA at the Special Olympics National Games in Tasmania, and an avid Crows fan, regularly attending both AFL and AFLW matches.
Madi’s mum Sally says the relationship Madi has developed with a number of Crows players through the Adelaide Crows Foundation’s Crows Care program has been instrumental in her recovery.
A long-time Crows member, Sally reached out to the Club for support following the accident and former Crow Patrick Dangerfield visited Madi in hospital as part of Crows Care.
The initial visit was followed by several more and Madi went on to form a strong connection with several past and present players who have supported her through her rehabilitation.
“It’s really made a huge difference, not only to Madi but the whole family,” Sally said.
“The drive that it has given us by seeing the enthusiasm that they have with Madi has been phenomenal, it just gives us that extra bit of energy to keep fighting.
“It’s something we will always remember, and it means the world to us.”
It was a video message from AFLW Captain Chelsea Randall and AFL forward Darcy Fogarty last Christmas which has had an impact most recently.
“Madi has watched it that many times she now knows it word by word,” Sally said.
“She’s become a huge Chelsea (and Darcy) fan and we have now extended its membership to ensure we can watch the Crows women live in action as well.
“Madi is loving it."
Madi attended the Crows AFLW open training session on Friday where Randall and Vice-Captain Sarah Allan presented her with a playing kit and asked her if she would run out with the team.
Although Randall has been ruled out of the match under the AFL's concussion protocol, she asked the young fan to help lead the team out with Allen.
The Adelaide Crows Foundation engages disadvantaged children and youth each year through its health and education programs which use the power of sport to help them reach their full potential.
Through the Foundation’s Crows Care program Adelaide players and staff deliver experiences to support children and youth in need.
