- Latest News
The Crows are coming to town this week to inspire the next generation of Aussie Rules footballers.
Adelaide AFLW co-captain Chelsea Randall (above), midfielder Ebony Marinoff (below) and the Crows community team are bringing the successful BHP Crows Cup Carnival to Whyalla on Wednesday (June 6).
The regional visit is being run in partnership with BHP which – through its South Australian Olympic Dam operation, located near Roxby Downs – is supporting the Crows’ AFLW team and the growth of grassroots football.
Aimed at Year 5-7 girls, the nine a-side BHP Crows Cup Carnival encourages girls to have a go at footy in a fun, safe environment. The day will also include a Next Generation Academy Shield aimed at year 5-7 boys. This 15 a-side carnival promotes AFL to all cultures and the importance of sportsmanship.
About 200 local students have already signed up to play in the Carnival which will be held at Bennett Oval on Wednesday, June 6.
Whyalla Mayor Lyn Breuer caught up with BHP Principal Indigenous Affairs and Regional Development officer Steven Arndt last week and discussed the fantastic concept.
“Whyalla has always been a footy stronghold and this is being recognised with this fantastic program coming to our city,” Mayor Breuer said.
“We’ve produced our fair share of top line footballers but just as importantly our local competition and our schools have been providing footy teams and support for players of all levels and ages for many years.
“With the rise of women’s football, this visit and carnival is a timely one to encourage even more footballers, girls and boys, to have a go and be an even bigger part of our magnificent game.
“This is a great example of big business putting something back into the community.”
Randall said the Crows were thrilled to be working with BHP to grow football – particularly the women’s game – in the region.
“We love getting out to regional South Australia and we’re looking forward to teaming up with BHP to deliver some of our programs in Whyalla next week,” Randall said.
“We are hoping the session will encourage more girls and boys to have a go at footy for the first time or further develop their skills.
“The carnival also promotes the benefits of physical activity, promotes teamwork and provides positive role models.”
BHP’s Head of Corporate Affairs for Olympic Dam, Emily Perry, said “we’re proud of our partnership with the Crows because it’s all about supporting diversity and inclusion in everything we do, and we’re so excited to see the BHP Crows Cup and Next Generation Academy Shield being played in Whyalla.
“We know that there’s nothing girls can’t do – whether it’s competing on the sporting field like the Crows’ AFLW champs or working in the mining sector with major projects like Olympic Dam – and as a business with colleagues from right across the world we know the value of bringing together different cultures and perspectives,” she said.
“We hope girls and boys from across the region will get involved in what promises to be a fantastic event.”
The carnival will run from 9.30am to 2.30pm at Bennett Oval in Whyalla.
CHELSEA RANDALL SNAPSHOT
A star of the competition, Randall guided the Crows to the inaugural AFLW premiership and earned All-Australian selection. Also finished runner-up to her club co-captain Erin Phillips in the Crows’ best and fairest. The versatile West Australian can dominate in the midfield, but also did key defensive roles across centre half-back. Quick, agile and has an excellent vertical leap, which allows her to play on taller opponents.
Player honours: Crows Club Champion 2018; All Australian captain 2018; 2nd best and fairest 2017; All-Australian 2017; premiership 2017; co-captain 2017, 2018.
Draft history: 2016 marquee signing (Adelaide).
EBONY MARINOFF SNAPSHOT
The hard-working midfielder was one of the stars of the inaugural NAB AFLW season, earning All-Australian honours and claiming the NAB AFLW Rising Star award. Marinoff led the competition for tackles (70), was second for pressure acts and ranked in the top 10 for disposals, inside 50s, effective kicks, hard-ball gets and contested possessions. A ball of energy who excels at stoppages and is an accurate left-foot kick.
Player honours: premiership 2017; NAB AFLW Rising Star 2017; All-Australian 2017; 3rd best and fairest 2017.
Draft history: 2016 NAB AFLW Draft 1st round selection (Adelaide) No. 7 overall.