Adelaide Crows chief Andrew Fagan’s directive — don’t Crow over our exclusive fans
RIVAL fans entering the Adelaide Crows’ most exclusive match-day inner sanctum are being urged by the club chief to tone down “vocal” barracking to avoid upsetting well-heeled loyal supporters.
RIVAL fans entering the Adelaide Crows’ most exclusive match-day inner sanctum are being urged by the club chief to tone down “vocal” barracking to avoid upsetting well-heeled loyal supporters.
In a note to members of the Crows’ $6800-per-person Premiership Club, Adelaide chief executive officer Andrew Fagan says he understands some guests in their Adelaide Oval Riverbank Stand suite were “vocal supporters of the opposition team” during the Crows’ 41-point loss to Melbourne last Saturday night.
Mr Fagan stresses the inclusive football club has allowed opposition fans to attend the dining room and spectator suite as members’ guests for many years and that should continue.
But he asks the members, who include some of the state’s top companies and business identities, to ensure their guests behave appropriately to avoid causing match-day discomfort.
“It is important, however, that each of our Premiership Club members ensure that when inviting guests that you clearly articulate to them that the room contains a loyal and passionate AFC supporter base,” he says.
“Whilst supporting other teams is expected, the manner in which this occurs should be respectful of the unique nature of this facility, its premium offering and its core membership.
“If members can address this with your invited guests prior to the match day, then it alleviates anyone feeling uncomfortable on the day of the game.”
It is understood some Premiership Club members enjoyed lively repartee with the Melbourne-supporting guests until half time, when the Crows lead by 10 points, but the mood soured when the Demons piled on 12 goals to Adelaide’s three in the second half.
Touted as offering “football at its finest from an unrivalled position” as part of the Crows’ “premier match-day offering”, the Premiership Suite’s annual fee brings benefits including three-course fine dining, a premium beverage package and guest speakers.
The Advertiser has been told club legend Tony Modra was among Saturday’s patrons, along with Crows chief operating officer Nigel Smart and his fellow dual premiership player Peter Caven.
The 30 Premiership Club members listed on the Crows’ website include Baker Young Stockbrokers, CMI Toyota, Phil Hoffman Travel, St Andrew’s Hospital, Port Lincoln fishing magnate Joe Puglisi, legal firm MinterEllison and the suite sponsor, Woodside’s Bird in Hand winery.
Adelaide Oval’s fan behaviour code of conduct says patrons should “support your team in a loud, passionate and enthusiastic manner, where appropriate”, while respecting patrons regardless of team affiliation.
An Adelaide Football Club spokesman declined to comment on Mr Fagan’s letter, which says he appreciates that football is an emotive game.
“The Premiership Suite is one of those unique environments combining premium fine dining and intimacy, with passion and a strong connection with what’s happening on the field,” Mr Fagan says.
“We are confident that through adherence to the above we can ensure that, together, we all enjoy our day at the footy, irrespective of the outcome of the match.”