Former SA premier John Olsen new Crows chairman
Incoming Crows chairman John Olsen has wasted no time in putting the relocation of the Adelaide Football Club’s headquarters back in the spotlight.
Incoming Crows chairman John Olsen says paying down debt and relocating closer to the city are among his leadership priorities.
But the former South Australian premier said winning games remained at the top of the list.
“Premierships is what the football club’s all about,” Olsen said. “Its core function is footy, winning games and winning premierships.”
He acknowledged the 2020 season – in which the Crows claimed their first wooden spoon – had been a failure.
“This year was not a satisfactory year,” he said, but added there was a “positive direction for this football club going forward”.
While stopping short of saying where on the AFL ladder he hoped the Crows would finish in 2021, he said: “We will lift. This club will lift substantially next year, I have no doubt about that.”
Relocating the club away from its West Lakes headquarters was a clear priority.
“There are options that have been canvassed in the past,” he said.
“Of course, COVID has impacted on all of us in different ways and it’s no different for the Adelaide Football Club … revenue streams have taken a substantial hit.
“COVID has intervened in the quest for a new home base, but it is clearly a priority for the fans of the club and, therefore, it will be a focus going forward.”
Olsen still sits as deputy chairman on the board of the Adelaide Oval, but will give up that position before its next AGM.
“I was flattered and stunned,” Olsen said of the Crows appointment.
“It was something that I really wanted to do and I wanted to do it, simply because I’ve been a fan of the club throughout its history. I’ve been supportive of this club throughout its history.
“I want to be part of this club as it moves into its next phase.”
The 75-year-old, who maintains his fitness and still barefoot waterskis, has taken on the role for a standard three-year term, but outgoing chairman Rob Chapman said no time limit had been placed on Olsen’s tenure.
“We’re not ageist. We’re not going to put a time limit on this … we’re so thankful to him for accepting the role,” Chapman said. “I know he has the gravitas, the experience, the contacts, the wisdom and skills to do a fine job for this football club.”
Olsen had been in discussion with the Crows for a number of months before being formerly offered the role a few weeks ago, doing his due diligence before accepting the invitation.
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