Name Adelaide Oval grandstands after AFLW Crows co-captains, says Sport Minister Leon Bignell

THE inaugural AFLW Crows premiership co-captains should have Adelaide Oval grandstands named after them, the SA Tourism Minister says.

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March 26, 2017 - 6:46PM

AFLW Crows claim place in history with Grand Final win

THE inaugural AFLW Crows premiership co-captains should have their names adorned on an Adelaide Oval grandstand, the Tourism Minister says.

In a social media post that triggered heated online debate, Leon Bignell called for Chelsea Randall and Erin Phillips to be permanently inscribed around the $535 million CBD ground.

Randall, 25, and Phillips, 31, on Saturday led the Adelaide Football Club’s maiden female team to the AFLW’s first premiership over Brisbane on the Gold Coast.

Less than half a year since the first Crows’ team was cobbled together at West Lakes and Darwin, the South Australian-NT combine defied early calls it would be an easybeat.

Chelsea Randall and Erin Phillips celebrate winning the Women's AFLW Grand Final between the Brisbane Lions and Adelaide Crows at Metricon Stadium on the Gold Coast. Pics Adam Head

In a Facebook message posted within minutes of Saturday’s result, Mr Bignell wrote: “How about we finally put women’s names on the Adelaide Oval grandstands.

“Erin Phillips and Chelsea Randall co-captains of the first team to win a premiership in the AFL Women’s League. Congratulations to the Adelaide Crows. You inspired and excited an entire state in this inaugural season.

“Well done team. Today was an absolute thriller. Enjoy the celebrations. #historymakers #watchthewomen.”

He added that he had “made a concerted effort to have all women recognised”.

The post, supported by almost 400 people, triggered a lengthy debate among users, including those who questioned the timing.

In response to one claim that the women’s team had played a handful of games, Mr Bignell replied: “Max Basheer: Zero games and a grandstand named after him.”

He was referring to the SANFL’s longest-serving president and Australian football Hall of Fame inductee, who headed the state league between 1978 and 2003.

He later insisted he was not “bagging” lawyer, Mr Basheer, 89.

He added: “Women haven’t been given a look in because the people who make the decisions at Adelaide Oval are all men. They all looked after themselves when they named the stands, the bars the rooms. It’s 2017, let’s not put this off any longer.”