It’s amazing the impact one kick can have on the mood in and around a footy club! Sam Berry’s late-in-the-game snap to give us a much needed win over Carlton now gives us the opportunity to try and build some momentum.
It goes without saying that in the opening month of the season we were well off our best. We didn’t deliver on expectations and only showed glimpses of last year’s form. However, there was a lot to like about last Saturday’s game against a quality opposition and in particular our speed of ball movement, which up until that point had been slow, ineffective and frustrating to watch. Things can change quickly in footy and a number of players also appeared to find their groove. The reality is it was just one win and we must back it up, and consistently produce strong performances.
Congratulations to Ben Keays who has committed to the Club for a further three years. Since coming to us from Brisbane at the end of 2019, he has been super reliable and hasn’t missed a game in over four years! His transition from full-time midfielder to pressure forward is paying off for the team, while his attention to detail in preparing for matches sets a standard for others to follow.
Gather Round was a spectacular success and it’s great to see how the footy community, as well as the casual observer for that matter, has embraced it. Our Club has been a big supporter of the concept from the outset and we will do all we can to lobby the AFL, and assist the State Government in ensuring the event stays here in South Australia. It creates a real buzz around the city!
We’re also excited about our first-ever Anzac Day commemorative guernsey which we unveiled last night and will wear in Round Seven against North Melbourne down in Hobart. Following that match, all player issue and match worn jumpers will be auctioned with proceeds raised going to the RSL Anzac Appeal. Each of the State’s 118 RSL clubs will also receive one, signed by selected players, which they can use for fundraising too.
I’ve had quite a few people approach me about the fixture and express varying views. While being back on the national free-to-air television stage and playing in Thursday and Friday night time slots brings numerous benefits, including exposing our players to the closest thing to finals-like atmosphere, we also acknowledge these games are not ideal for our regional members. It’ll be interesting to see where our games land in the back end of the season, with the AFL expected to announce the time slots for Rounds 16-24 in a month or so.
This week is another big game for us. Friday night at home against the Bombers and as always, we need your support. If you can’t get along, I encourage you to share your ticket with family or friends. The bigger the crowd the better. Go Crows!
Regards,
Tim
