Dedicated Crows fan Robert Smith has been recognised as one of the best supporters in the nation.

The 30-year-old, who is Vice President of the Crows Supporter Group, has been named the AFL Fans Association Male Fan of the Year for 2016.

The Award is recognition for the work Smith has done to improve and grow the Supporter Group, as well as his efforts to help his fellow supporters with tickets and travel arrangements when the Crows are playing interstate.

The Crows Supporter Group also tied with the Essendon Cheer Squad for the AFL Fans Association Supporter Group of the Year Award.

AFL Fans Association President Gerry Eaman said numerous fans had pointed out Smith’s hard work and dedication.

“Robert is a terrific ambassador for our game,” he said.

“It isn’t hard to support your team, but volunteering takes special dedication. Robert goes above and beyond in organising the Crows Supporters Group spending many, many hours helping others.

“The Crows Supporter Group also had a stand-our year. The group secured cheaper bus fares for interstate trips and enhanced its flag and flogger waving.”

Smith said he felt honoured to hear he had received numerous nominations.

“I love the supporter group. We’ve been through a lot of transformation in recent years and we all get along and it’s a really good environment,” he said.

“I’ve done a lot of work in recent years to revitalise the group and increase people’s understanding of how they can become involved. Back a few years ago people didn’t realise they could be a part of it.

“Through the use of social media we’ve been able to go out to a wider audience to explain how the group works and how they can join.”

Smith, a supporter since 1993, was one of the founding members of the Crows Pride Group and joined the official Supporter Group in 2011. He is involved in PR, fundraising and general administration of the squad as well as organising the banners, flags floggers and seating arrangements on match day.

“Sometimes I wonder if I work harder at Crows related functions than I do at my day job,” he laughed.

“I’m at every game, including the away games. I base all my annual leave around our interstate matches so when the fixture comes out at the start of the year I plan all of my trips and days off.

“Next year I want to take the group to a new level in terms of our match day support with more noise, bigger flags in the area behind the goals and also a further increase in memberships within the squad.

“I wouldn’t do it if I didn’t love it.”

Crows CEO Andrew Fagan congratulated Smith on receiving the honour and also acknowledged the Club's wider supporter base.
 
"Our Members and supporters are among the most passionate in Australian sport and it is great to see Robert officially recognised. Since joining the Club, I have been amazed and appreciative of their loyalty and commitment and the fact we have the highest average home game attendance of any club in the country is something in which our fans should take great pride. We are also appreciative of how they turn out in force at interstate venues as well."

Those wanting to become involved in 2017 are encouraged to visit The Official Crows Supporters Group on Facebook or email crowsg@bigpond.com.