Crows fly to Darwin to prepare for the upcoming AFLW season

You may have seen a few extra Crows in the neighbourhood recently as the Adelaide AFLW side takes over Darwin in anticipation for the upcoming season. FIND OUT HOW TO MEET THEM

THE Crows have left the nest in search of warmer weather landing in Darwin for their annual pre-season training camp.

The reigning AFLW premiers will spend four days in the Top End with a focus on fitness and team bonding in preparation for season seven which kicks off on August 25.

Crows head of women’s football Phil Harper said he was expecting the upcoming season to be a challenge with all 18 clubs now in the competition, so this week’s training was more important than ever.

“It is fantastic to have all 18 teams in the league this year it really shows how much AFL for women has taken off in the last few years,” he said.

“We are looking forward to this season, but we know there is a lot of great teams who want to take the flag off us.”

When Adelaide campaigned to join the inaugural year of the AFLW in 2017 they submitted a comprehensive joint proposal to the AFL in partnership with the Northern Territory.

While the Crows moved away from the official partnership in 2020, Harper said the club’s connection with its northern neighbour had continued.

“What we were able to achieve in those first few years with the NT was fantastic,” he said.

“A lot of people didn’t think there was enough AFL talent in SA and the NT to be successful but we were able to win two premierships together.

“Because of that the club will always have a connection with the Territory.”

Two Territorians still call the Crows Nest home, Stevie-Lee Thompson and Danielle Ponter, and Harper said it was great having locals to show you the Darwin sites.

“They love to come up here and show the team around,” he said.

“Some of the older girls have been up here a few times but the new players are loving it, especially the weather.”

Adelaide Crows player Danielle Ponter in Darwin. Picture: Keri Megelus

The reigning premiers will be checking-out all the Darwin sites over the few days including the waterfront Aqua Park and Litchfield, but Harper ensured the trip wont be all fun and games.

“We had a day with the defence force on Friday which was not only about building strength but also about getting the players to work together,” he said.

“They had to complete an obstacle course which was impossible to do without help from your teammates.

“To achieve what we have achieved as a club, teamwork and culture are vital.”

The Crows will be running an open training session at TIO Stadium from 7.30am on Saturday.