Crows Chief Executive Officer Andrew Fagan issued the following statement in regards to the Federal Government committing $15m towards the Club building a new state-of-the-art facility, which will also provide the foundation for expanded Indigenous programs and enhanced women’s football initiatives, among many other community benefits.

“The Federal Government’s commitment is a significant step forward and provides greater certainty that we can deliver a facility which will both provide benefit and solve problems for multiple stakeholders.

“Given the issues we face at West Lakes, it provides the Club with the ability to establish a state-of-the-art training and administration headquarters in close proximity to Adelaide Oval.

“The facility would replace the ageing aquatic centre in North Adelaide with new fit for purpose facilities for the community, while helping to regenerate the O’Connell Street retail precinct and importantly, allow for the enhanced delivery of significant community initiatives.

“It will strengthen a series of female-focused programs, particularly those aimed at increasing opportunities for young girls and women to pursue careers as administrators and coaches, and deliver dedicated facilities for our AFLW team. This will capitalise on the enormous growth in women’s football across South Australia.

“The masterplan when developed will also include dedicated resources to deliver a range of programs focused on improving opportunities for Indigenous youth across the pillars of education, employment, health and lifestyle.

“In recent weeks, we have spoken to the City of Adelaide about commencing the masterplan process and we will work closely with the Council and all other relevant community stakeholders while we complete this work during 2019.

“We are only in the very early stages and there is a great deal to work through in terms of planning and sourcing further funding, but this is an incredibly important step, and we appreciate the support of the Federal Government.”