‘Special guests’: Crows vs Suns game dedicated to SA drought-affected farmers and their families

South Australian drought-affected farmers and their families will be hosted as “special guests” with free tickets on offer at an upcoming AFL game between the Crows and Suns.

A special AFL game between the Adelaide Crows and Gold Coast Suns next weekend, has been dedicated to drought-affected farmers and their families, with free tickets on offer.

The state government and Grain Producers SA, have partnered with Primary Producers SA, SA Dairyfarmers Association, Livestock SA, and the Adelaide Crows to deliver the Drought Support Match on Sunday, July 20 at Adelaide Oval.

Farmers and their families will be hosted as “special guests”, with the state government also contributing $100,000 toward the Rural Business Support Relief Fund.

Fellow farmer and Crows defender, Nick Murray, who hails from the small NSW town of Henty, now runs his own sheep property at Hartley, between Adelaide and Murray Bridge.

Adelaide Crows player Nick Murray on his farm near Hartley with his dog Reg. Picture: AFC

He said growing up, many people in his community were farmers who had experienced droughts in the past, and that football on the weekends was a way to uplifts people’s spirits.

“I think it’s massively important. Obviously growing in a small community town, we went through a few droughts growing up,” he said.

“I think footy is that two or three hours – or the whole Saturday – where people can get a bit of a release.

“So for them to be able to come along and totally switch off for the two or three hours of the match, is massive.”

Murray will also lead two free footy clinics in the weeks before and after the match.

The community clinics – one in Clare and another in Mannum – will be conducted by players and club staff, who will also host barbecues and autograph signings.

Crows CEO, Tim Silvers said the club wanted to acknowledge SA’s farmers and regional communities who were battling tough conditions.

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“We know so many families and communities have been hit incredibly hard by the drought and we hope an afternoon at the footy will provide some brief respite, much-needed fun and a sense of togetherness,” he said.

“It’s the least we could do and especially given the support our club is fortunate enough to receive from members and fans living in regional areas.”

This year, SA has experienced its worst drought conditions on record with some regions recording the lowest rainfall since records began.

The state government announced a $73m drought relief package for affected farmers.

Minister for Primary Industries, Clare Scriven said that while the state government’s $73 million Drought Support Package continues to provide key support on the ground, events like an AFL game provided an opportunity for families to come together.

Primary Industries Minister Clare Scriven. Picture Mark Brake

“It’s been an incredibly tough time for many in regional and rural areas, with the drought placing enormous pressure on families and communities across South Australia,” she said.

“While we know that only rain will truly break the drought, we remain committed to working together on practical support measures to complement those already announced.

“We are pleased to work together with the Crows on this fantastic initiative to show our support for farming families and let them know that South Australia recognises the challenges of drought and the tough times they are facing.”

SA primary producers have received an email with details on how to redeem their complimentary tickets to the match, the Crows said.

Originally published as ‘Special guests’: Crows vs Suns game dedicated to SA drought-affected farmers and their families