Crows AFLW players will travel to Port Augusta for their first pre-season hit-out this Sunday, thanks to the support of the South Australian Government and BHP.
The team will take on Port Adelaide in match simulation training at Central Oval at 1pm.
The afternoon will also include giveaways, a sausage sizzle, and opportunities for fans to meet the players and get signatures.
In addition to South Australian Government’s support of the Crows’ AFLW program since 2017, it has enabled the Club to travel to Port Augusta for the hit out, giving back to regional communities.
The Crows and co-major sponsor BHP have been regular visitors to the Upper Spencer Gulf region since 2021, supporting the Port Augusta Girls Football program to create more opportunities for aspiring AFLW players in the region.
Adelaide and BHP’s involvement across the past four years has included connecting the volunteer-run competition with AFLW players.
Former Captain Chelsea Randall travelled to the league for coaching and mentoring opportunities during its infancy stages, while Leadership group member Eloise Jones has also assisted the league more recently.
The Crows and BHP have also provided support to allow local clubs to purchase female uniforms, equipment and footballs among other things to support the growth of the league.
Participants in the Port Augusta Female Football program are now flourishing in their own fixtured competition, playing against competitors of a similar age.
The female football pathway will be on show on Sunday, with the Port Augusta under 14 and under 17 teams playing their first week of finals as the curtain raiser to the AFLW match.
Former captain Chelsea Randall described the match in Port Augusta as a full circle moment.
“It’s great to hold our first pre-season match in Port Augusta where we have such a longstanding connection with the local footy league,” Randall said.
“I can’t wait to return and see the growth of the league and female footy in the region.
“Supporting the growth of women’s football particularly in regional areas is really important to me, and I know the whole team is really looking forward to it too.”
Attending Sunday’s AFLW trial game is free, with no ticket required.
