Hi everyone,

There has been plenty of twists and turns but finally we have cause for excitement with confirmation the season will resume. Footy is back!

Yesterday’s AFL announcement outlined players will return to our West Lakes headquarters for training on Monday and step up to full-contact work the following week, before a commencement of the season on June 11.

This season is unique and some teams will need to be more flexible than others. Given South Australian border controls, our players plus a limited number of coaches and football staff will have no choice but to pack up and base themselves on the Gold Coast to get our season started. The AFL is covering all associated costs, as well as those of the three other teams operating out of the Queensland hub.

Having spoken to several players over the past day or so, it is clear that they are itching to get back together to train and then play. The boys are resilient and ready to embrace the challenges that they will confront. They know it will be made easier with the extraordinary support that they have from the Crows faithful.

We will continue to provide you with as much content as possible, including exclusive interviews and inner sanctum video and stories from the Gold Coast hub, by direct email to you, as well as via the Club’s website and social media channels.

We are also conscious that because of restrictions on mass gatherings, our Members and fans will not be able to attend our matches, no matter where they are played, at least for the short-term. Like you, I am desperate to sit at Adelaide Oval and cheer our lads on and hopefully this happens much sooner rather than later.

For crowds to return to the footy it is important that we all continue to adhere to the guidelines set by governments and health authorities, as well as download the COVIDSafe App. Our Club and the broader football industry has an important role to play in helping to limit the spread of the coronavirus, and the South Australian authorities are to be commended for the outstanding work they have done to protect our community to date.

As many of you know, our skipper Rory Sloane, as well as AFLW captains Erin Phillips and Chelsea Randall, came together recently and were joined by our leaders of years gone by to ask you to Stand With Us during these most challenging of times.

The one constant throughout our 30-year journey has been the strength and resilience of the entire Crows family when it rallies together, with the standout being the passion, loyalty and commitment of our Members. Over recent weeks we may have missed the noise and atmosphere you bring to Adelaide Oval but the sense of belonging and connectivity has been a powerful and ongoing presence in the lives of the players and everyone at the Club. It means more than you could imagine. Thank you!

These are not easy times and we know we will all confront more challenges in the weeks and months ahead. Thank you to those who have already committed to supporting the Club through this period. Maintaining your membership is the best way to ensure we get through this in a manner where we can continue to control our own destiny and pursue the type of success that we all crave.

Having been provided with at least some clarity on what the season looks like, we are now in a position to provide you with further details on your membership. Over the next week or so you will receive communication regarding the Stand With Us membership campaign, as well as other information regarding membership options available to you.

Thank you for your ongoing support and most importantly, please stay safe and I wish you and your loved ones the very best.

Regards,
Andrew