After months of planning and preparation, we’re ready. Our opening game of the premiership season is only hours away, and it’s reassuring to know our players and coaches have done the hard yards. Their customary discipline and work ethic has been on show over the summer.
It’s been a long time since expectations have been so high and it’s a scenario we are embracing. While we expect to play finals, we are also fully aware we need to earn that right and like every team, we’ll need our share of luck along the way.
There’s no Walker, no Thilthorpe and no Sloane but opportunities for others against the Gold Coast this weekend. Congratulations to Chris Burgess who has gone from barracking for the Crows as a kid to now making his Club debut and he’ll do so against his former team. It’s a great story and he’ll do well.
Just as pleasing, the two Lachys – Gollant and Sholl – and Sam Berry who have earned a game in the seniors after being on the fringe for much of last season. Just reward for strong pre-season form on the track and in our trial games. A quick glance at who is not playing, as well as our injury list, reinforces the fact we now have genuine depth.
We also have a growing membership base and following last year’s record-breaking tally, we’re on track for an even better result and it looks as though we’ll push past 70,000. Buying a membership is still the best value for money option to see the team play and be part of the club, and there is an option to suit everyone’s lifestyle.
Our players, coaches and football staff can’t look beyond the Suns game but the rest of us can and in fact, some of our staff must do so. We’re always looking at ways to change things up for the better and come Round 2 you will notice some new and improved lighting effects at our opening home game, as we leverage Adelaide Oval’s recent upgrades.
We are also launching a new post-game show which will be live streamed via the Club App and website. A bit like talkback radio, it will give you the opportunity to send in questions or thoughts during and after home matches, and we will have some of them answered by players and football personnel. Stay tuned for more details next week.
Given our bumper fixture which includes far more night games, especially on Thursdays and Fridays, and in turn late finishing times, we have decided to change up our post-game gathering in Adelaide Oval’s Magarey Room. The event, which in recent seasons has been called Sauce’s After Party, will only be held after day games in 2024.
There is good reason for optimism but as every footy fan knows the season always brings its ups and downs, so let’s stick together and enjoy the ride.
Go Crows!
Tim
