Darcy Fogarty shows off his batting skills, while Taylor Walker and Tom Jonas engage in sledging match ahead of T20 Showdown
He was picked in the team because of his “character”, but Darcy Fogarty has surprised his Adelaide Crows teammates with his batting skills ahead of the T20 Showdown charity match against rival Port Adelaide.
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Darcy Fogarty has blasted his way into the mix to open for the Adelaide Crows in the Twenty20 Showdown clash to raise funds for the bushfire appeal.
The powerfully-built 20-year-old, who stands at 193cm and 97kg, was selected in the Crows side for next Sunday’s bushfire charity clash at Adelaide Oval “based off character”, according to new Adelaide leadership group member Brodie Smith.
But Fogarty, an all-rounder as a junior player in Lucindale, impressed so much with the willow as the Crows ramped up their preparations for the match that he could find himself opening the batting.
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Smith and fellow Crows Taylor Walker, new club captain Rory Sloane, skipper for the charity match Tom Lynch, and Brad Crouch “bowled about 20 overs” to Fogarty at the Adelaide Oval indoor nets under the watchful eyes of some of the Strikers players on Friday.
Smith said all were surprised by Fogarty’s ability.
“Yeah, I was a bit surprised, he just got selected based off character and him pushing himself into the side,” Smith said.
“But he’s come out here and he’s hit them really well.
“I think Lynchy said he’s possibly promoted himself to opening, so good on Fog.”
Crouch also impressed with the bat while Lynch, who represented Victoria at junior level, showed some serious speed with ball in hand.
As the two sides ramp up their preparations in the nets, they also lifted the off-field banter – throwing some lighthearted sledges to their counterparts on Twitter.
Port Adelaide skipper Tom Jonas led the way by wheeling out footage of former Prime Minister John Howard’s famous delivery.
Bushfire T20 Showdown prep in full swing. Actually got some vision of @texwalker13 in the nets yesterday too. #BushfireT20Showdown pic.twitter.com/J961t3gR7h
— Tom Jonas (@twjonas42) January 24, 2020
Meanwhile, Former Power captain Travis Boak was quick to chime in with a pie emoji, directed at the former Crows captain.
That actually looks better than last time you played us @texwalker13 🥧 https://t.co/Okzw9m6Z3t
— Travis Boak (@travisboak10) January 24, 2020
Yet, while Jonas brought up one of the great sporting fail videos in history, Walker threw out a sledge at the Port skipper with Dwayne Leverock’s amazing catch in the 2007 World Cup.
This you at skip TJ? https://t.co/8kbyJOU2Pu
— Tex Walker (@texwalker13) January 24, 2020
Smith said they were enjoying the build-up to the match, but things would get serious come first ball.
He also said he believed many of the players would have some nerves being out on Adelaide Oval in a different sport.
“I think it’s all fun and games now, but when we get out there I don’t think we will be able to help ourselves,” he said.
“There will be plenty of sledging out there... it’s going to be a really fun day I think.
“Absolutely, I will be a lot more nervous walking out to bat than I would be going out to play footy, definitely.”
A “draft” will be held next week as to which Strikers players will line up for the respective sides.
Smith said the Crows were targeting either Australian limited overs keeper Alex Carey to go behind the stumps for them, or Strikers gun opener Jake Weatherald.
Earlier this week, both the Crows and Power teams were named for the bushfire fundraiser, with eight players on each side.
The idea for the fundraiser stemmed from Twitter earlier this month, which gained widespread support from fans, players and media personalities alike.
The game will take place on February 2, with tickets available via Ticketek.