SANFL football returns to the Mid North on Sunday afternoon when Adelaide hosts the first ‘SANFL Showdown’ of the year in Balaklava.
The Club is committed to taking its one annual State League home game to regional areas to give back to local South Australian communities who support the Crows so well.
Located 95km North of Adelaide and approximately an hour's drive from the CBD, it was announced in December that Balaklava would host this year's fixture between the SANFL Crows and Port Magpies.
Last year’s clash with the Magpies in Clare was a resounding success. The game was the most watched minor round match of the season and brought over 5,000 people through the gates at Clare Oval.
Channel 7 will once again broadcast the game live and all takings from the clash will go to the Adelaide Plains Football League and the Country Fire Service Foundation.
Crows GM Football Administration Phil Harper said Sunday’s game was a great opportunity for the Club to once again thank its regional supporters.
“These communities are the lifeblood of our game,” Harper said.
“Families in these areas don’t always get a chance to see live League football, but often they are some of our most passionate supporters.
“This is just a small way for our Club to say ‘thank you’ to these people.”
On the field, the SANFL Crows are still searching for their first win of the season after a tough start to the Club’s second SANFL campaign.
A brave performance in Round Two saw Adelaide fall three points short of victory against the Roosters, while a bizarre blackout resulted in the Club’s first-ever SANFL draw with Glenelg at The Bay in Round Four.
Adelaide suffered its heaviest loss of the season against reigning premiers Norwood last round.
“The talent is there, but we haven’t strung together four quarters of footy so far this season,” Harper said.
“I don’t think we’re far off it though. We’ve seen some positive signs from a number of our development players who continue to improve and adjust to the level each week. Hopefully we should also get a few players back from injury in the coming weeks.
“The boys will be raring to go on Sunday. They’re hungry for a result and a win against Port could be the kick-start that the team needs.”
The Crows take on Port Adelaide at Ralli Park at 1.10pm in Balaklava on Sunday afternoon.
Tickets to the clash are being pre-sold at Foodland Balaklava. Crows ticketed members receive free entry to all of Adelaide’s SANFL premiership season matches.
