Adelaide Crows AFLW players help restore hope for Taylor family, who were impacted by Cudlee Creek bushfire
Before coronavirus meant social distancing, Adelaide’s AFLW players helped put smiles back on the faces of two young girls who lost most of their belongings in the Cudlee Creek bushfire.
AFLW
Don't miss out on the headlines from AFLW. Followed categories will be added to My News.
- Crows great helps send stranded fan to World Cup final
- How to get the most out of your Advertiser digital subscription
Rebuilding their lives and restoring happiness after a devastating summer of bushfires is an ongoing process for Josh and Jess Taylor.
But their two children Matilda, 11, and Katelyn 7, were given big reasons to smile last week before restrictions were put in place amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Matilda, a mad Adelaide supporter, lost her favourite Crows football in a fire that tore through the family’s Lobethal property just before Christmas.
Watch every match of the 2020 NAB AFLW Season LIVE & On-Demand on KAYO. New to Kayo? Get your 14-day free trial & start streaming instantly >
After hearing about Matilda’s lost footy, the Adelaide Crows Foundation stepped in and helped organise for the family to attend an AFLW training session on Tuesday, March 10.
Crows AFLW players handed Matilda and Katelyn a new, signed football each at last week’s training.
The girls were also meant to be part of a guard of honour at last Sunday’s match against GWS at home but with the crowd lockout amid coronavirus fears, they were unable to do so.
Josh, however, said meeting the AFLW players would be a moment his daughters would never forget.
“Initially (during the fire) … the girls freaked and didn’t know what was going on, especially when they thought everything, including the houses, were lost,” Josh said.
“I think the fact our houses were still there did make it easier for the girls.
“But when Matilda realised her Crows footy was lost, that’s when she lost it.
“We’ve had our moments where the girls have had their tears.
“(But) this is something they’ll remember forever.”
The family owns the former Fairyland Village at Lobethal and on December 20 strong winds pushed the Cudlee Creek fire towards the property.
It destroyed 15 buildings including two sheds, trucks and plenty of belongings, but luckily the two houses were saved.
“It (the fire) happened so fast but we’ve had so much support from the community,” Jess said.
“The girls love the footy and this is a positive thing for them.”
Matilda hoped to be able to kick her new football around during the Easter break, while Katelyn said she was “very excited” to have met the AFLW players.
Crows co-captain Chelsea Randall said it was great to be able to put smiles on the girls’ faces.