The long wait is finally over and I don’t know about you, but I can’t wait for our season to get started!
It’s rare in footy, and especially after a hot summer of tough training, that any club has a near injury free AFL squad and it provides a good foundation heading into Round 1. Only Chayce Jones, who has a shoulder problem, and the suspended Brodie Smith were unavailable for Sunday’s game against St Kilda. It’s a credit to our high-performance and medical staff.
This Sunday will be particularly exciting for four players and their families and friends, when they get to wear the Crows colours for the first time. Our top draft pick from last year Sid Draper – who grew up barracking for Adelaide – will make his AFL debut after a really solid pre-season. From the glimpses we saw of Sid in our practice matches over summer, it’s exciting to think what he will bring to our team for many years to come.
Alex Neal-Bullen is another South Australian who grew up a Crows supporter and he will play his first game for us after 176 at Melbourne. Alex could not have been more impressive both on and off the field since joining us in last year’s trade period, and he has gone out of his way to understand and appreciate our culture and broader Club operations.
Last but not least are our two other recruits in James Peatling and Isaac Cumming, who joined us from GWS. Again, two really high-character guys who have brought into the direction we are heading so it will be great to see them in the Crows guernsey.
I would also like to congratulate Wayne Milera who is playing his 100th game. Junior has had to overcome some significant challenges with injury since being drafted and it is a credit to his resilience and work ethic that he reaches this milestone.
We have really narrowed our focus on starting the season strongly and while we are satisfied that we have and will improve, the unknown is to what extent have other teams done the same. I urge you to get along to Adelaide Oval to mark the first time we’ve opened a season at home since 2022. And with an ever-evolving game-day experience, you won’t want to miss it!
Going around the grounds, earlier tomorrow our SANFL team will have a trial game hit-out against South Adelaide, as they ramp up preparations for their season opener against West Adelaide on March 29.
As per League rules, the AFLW squad is only allowed to hold optional training sessions at the moment however, we have had our players turn out in big numbers. A special shout out goes to Eloise Jones who resumed running last week as she returns from Achilles surgery. While I’m at it, congratulations to our former AFLW skipper Chelsea Randall and AFLW assistant coach Marijana Rajcic on their wedding as well!
Last but not least are our two other recruits in James Peatling and Isaac Cumming, who joined us from GWS. Again, two really high-character guys who have brought into the direction we are heading so it will be great to see them in the Crows guernsey.
Here’s hoping for a win on Sunday. See you at the footy!
Tim
