Excitement is building ahead of the SANFL Crows first ‘home’ game in the city on Saturday at Thebarton Oval.

Adelaide will take on ladder leader Sturt after both clubs and the SANFL agreed to the landmark fixture.

Saturday’s game will be the first SANFL match at Thebarton Oval in more than four years

Crows SANFL coach Heath Younie said it was a great opportunity for Adelaide.

“I’d like to thank Sturt Football Club for allowing us to have a home game,” Younie said.

“I think it’s important to have a home ground in the SANFL but we understand the challenges that presents.”

“Our home facility is West Lakes, we are comfortable down there but for our SANFL team and for our supporters to be able to go to a facility like Thebarton this weekend is a fantastic opportunity.

“Let’s hope we get a big crowd so it suggests we can get a few more home games and bring footy back to Thebarton Oval.”

The match will also mark Curtly Hampton’s first game for points in Crows colours.

Hampton, 23, last played a SANFL practice match in February but has since been sidelined with a foot injury.

Younie said the former GWS Giant was looking forward to the occasion.

“It’s really exciting for Curtly,” Younie said.

“He was a bit nervous this morning, he hasn’t played a game for us yet.”

Younie said Hampton would start in defence but has the ability to play through the midfield.

“Coming to a new footy club and trying to earn that respect and he gets to do that this weekend.”

“We haven’t put huge expectations on Curtly we are just excited to have him back out and excited for him to play his first game for the footy club.”

A host of free family friendly activities are planned for the day, including a bouncy castle, face painting, and a signing session with players from both clubs post-match.

Two junior curtain-raisers will also entertain spectators leading into the main event.

Radio station Life FM will provide live coverage of the clash.