Two-time Adelaide Premiership player Mark Bickley says connecting the Club’s past with its present is an important step in building a strong culture.

To help strengthen the connection, Bickley and a large contingent of former Crows players, together with their children and a few current players, enjoyed a special get together at AFLMax on Tuesday night.

Some of the past players who attended the event included Bernie Vince, Ryan Fitzgerald. Brent Reilly, Jason Porplyzia, Greg Anderson, Justin Cicolella, Kris Massie, Kyle Cheney, Lewis Johnston and Marijana Rajcic.

Bickley, who returned to the Club this year to take on the role of Club Engagement Officer, said it was great to see so many sons and daughters of former players attend the event.

“Tonight is about giving all the past players, whether you played one game or 300 games for the Club, an opportunity to come back together,” Bickley said.

“Those who played for the Adelaide Crows made a contribution to the Club and we will always make sure we recognise that by welcoming them and getting them to stay connected.

“A lot of the kids may not remember when their Dad was playing, so they’re asking why they’re coming here, and it allows them to have that conversation around how they used to play for the Crows.

“When you see how many kids are here it just reminds you about how the Club is maturing.”

Massie, who played 88 AFL games for the Crows, said it was special to watch the current players interact with the past players’ children. 

“We are really grateful to be here,” Massie told AFC Media.

“I love seeing the players interact with the kids in a really humble way, it’s just beautiful.”