Crows rally around cheer squad president Peter Kauschke after major stroke

The Adelaide Crows community has been dealt a savage blow on the eve of the season with a fan favourite facing a massive health battle as the club flocks to show its support.

Tina (right) and Peter Kauschke with fellow Crows superfan Carmel Johnston. Peter is currently facing a major health battle after a stroke. Picture: Matt Loxton

The president of the Adelaide Crows Supporters Group has been hospitalised and faces a significant health battle after suffering a major stroke late last week.

60-year-old Crows superfan Peter Kauschke, who has also been battling bladder cancer, was taken to the Royal Adelaide Hospital after suffering the stroke last Friday where doctors found a total of six blood clots on his brain and a patent foramen ovale (a hole) in his heart, which caused the stroke.

The fan favourite has been unable to stand or walk, has lost sensation on the left side of his face and the right side of his body, is suffering from vertigo, and has blurred vision.

He has been supported by wife Tina, daughters Cheryl and Nicole, and son David and faces months of surgery and rehabilitation.

Peter Kauschke, the 2022 AFL Fans Association fan of the year with Crows AFLW player Amber Ward at West Lakes. Picture: File

“He hasn’t been able to weight-bear and will need to learn how to walk again,” David said.

“We’re also looking into the possibility of getting him a guide dog for the future because his vision still hasn’t fully returned.

“It’s been really hard for him and he just feels like he’s letting his work and everyone around him down ahead of the season.

“Dad is usually the guy who can’t say no and pushes through to work and help people out.”

Kauschke has been a diehard Adelaide supporter since the club entered the AFL in 1991 and has been president of the cheer squad for the last seven years.

Named the AFL Fan Association fan of the year in 2022, Kauschke has attended countless Crows games around Australia and was a major source of help and organisation for every club supporter group during last season’s Gather Round.

He was even called upon to help the Western Bulldogs fanbase with their 2021 grand final banner after many of the club’s cheer squad could not make it to Perth due to Covid.

“We’ve had really nice messages from the Crows Supporters Group and so many cheer squads across the competition,” David said.

“The Crows have also reached out to let dad know they’re thinking of him and sent a care package.

“Tim Silvers even had a chat with him which was great.

“He hasn’t been able to read any messages sent through yet which is distressing for him, but all the support is really appreciated and humbling. It means a lot to him.”

Kauschke (far right) during last AFL season. He still hopes to make it to the Gather Round games this year. Picture: Roy VanDerVegt.

While Kauschke faces a major battle to get back to full health over the coming months, he still had his sights set on making an appearance for Gather Round in April.

“Through the seven years Dad has been president of the supporters group he’s only missed one or two games so he’s definitely eager to get back to it,” David said.

“He’s hoping he can be medically stable enough at least get into a wheelchair for Gather Round.

“He’s staying really positive about it all and is fixated on that goal.”

The Kauschke family has started a GoFundMe for Peter and wife Tina, who also faces a six-week recovery after complications during stomach cancer surgery.

Follow this link to donate.