It has been eight years since Adelaide visited the South Australian town of Mount Gambier in the state’s South East.

That year, 2003, was the last time Adelaide won the pre-season competition, then called the Wizard Cup, and Wayne Carey was a newly signed player.

Only four players currently on Adelaide’s list were at that community camp; Ben Rutten, Graham Johncock, Brent Reilly and Michael Doughty.

On Wednesday morning as the Rex Airlines flight went down the Adelaide airport runway bound for Mount Gambier, Patrick Dangerfield called out to Michael Doughty across the small aisle, “What do you think fossil?”

I was quickly informed that being the oldest player now at the club, this was Doughty’s new nickname, much to the delight of the number 32 and his mate Phil Davis sitting behind me.

Much has changed since Adelaide’s inaugural community camp but what hasn’t is the fact that it is a Crows supporter stronghold, with nearly 1000 members living in the area and a Supporters Group of 200.

On day one of the camp I followed a group consisting of Jason Porplyzia, James Sellar, rookie Jake von Bertouch, Andy Otten, Phil Davis, Daniel Talia and Brodie Martin.

We visited three schools including Glenburnie Primary School, Yahl Primary School and Reidy Park Primary, which had 600 students.

The seven players spoke to the students about themselves and then fielded questions from each group about life as an AFL footballer.

The children at Yahl Primary were also lucky enough to have a kick and a catch with their heroes, and the enjoyment from the students was quite visible.

The afternoon thunderstorms cleared in time for a football clinic at West Gambier Football Club, with hundreds of children taking part in drills run by Adelaide’s players and coaches.

That night at the same location, the group had dinner and mingled with the local Supporters Group, while Neil Craig, Nathan van Berlo and Patrick Dangerfield were interviewed on stage.

Day two of the camp saw the players go through a light 45 minute session at North Gambier Football Club before taking on McDonald Park Primary in a short game.

In a heated contest at times, it was the year seven students who took honours with the scoreline roughly a two goal win.

Frankie Wonga was voted best on ground by central umpire Bernie Vince for his two goals, with Sam Jacobs held accountable for his loose checking of the young forward.

Players again split into groups to visit nursing homes, recreation centres, hospitals and special schools in the Mt Gambier area.

The experience of getting into a community such as Mt Gambier is a thrill for both the locals and the playing group.

Again the 2011 AFL Community Camp was well supported by the local area and went a long way to strengthening relationships with Crows supporters in the South East.

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