Crows dual-premiership legend, Darren Jarman, has made an end-of-season tour of Life Care’s residential aged care homes encouraging senior supporters to maintain their passion for football in later-life.

“I love to see the passion people have for footy, and it is particularly important for older people to maintain that enjoyment,” he said.

“It gives everybody something to look forward to week after week, year after year.  Age is irrespective when it comes to football because you can still barrack for your club even if you can no longer get along to the games.”

Darren’s visits, coinciding with the AFL grand final week celebrations, showcased the unique partnership that has developed between the Adelaide Football Club and Life Care.

The relationship recognises that people in aged care maintain strong community connections and interests, particularly in sport.

Darren met with scores of Life Care’s residents at Glen Osmond, Joslin, Reynella and Aldinga Beach, along with staff and volunteers, to reflect on his football career that delivered a premiership with Hawthorn and two grand final triumphs with the Adelaide Crows.

He filled rooms with laughter about some of his on and off-field exploits, including missing the team’s 1998 premiership victory motorcade through the streets of Adelaide while he recovered from grand final celebrations.

“I woke up in time to turn on the TV and see a cardboard cut-out picture of myself in the car carrying my name,” he said.

Darren joked with Life Care’s residents, signed autographs, presented footy tipping competition winners with their trophies, and competed in a sporting quiz.

At Aldinga Beach Court, Darren presented resident Jean Rutherford with her third consecutive trophy for winning the local AFL tipping competition.

Jean was thrilled with the visit by Darren recalling him and brother Andrew playing as juniors for Gaza Football Club in the north-eastern suburbs before embarking on SANFL and AFL careers.

“I remember how great the Jarman boys were,” she said.  “I love footy and especially the Crows.”

Life Care’s Chief Executive Officer, Allen Candy, said the partnership with the Adelaide Crows was a vital part of the organisation’s philosophy to help each person in its care to “live every day” through doing the things they enjoy.

“Football is an enduring joy for older people and we greatly value our relationship with the Adelaide Crows and greats of the game like Darren Jarman.

“He is an outstanding ambassador for the club and the game.”