However throughout the Westpac Centre there are numerous other displays and features relating to the Club, its heritage and growth. There is the Corridor of Champions, the signed Jerseys of each of the captains, the premiership displays in the foyer, the enormous murals in the Shed of our 300 game players and the player milestone plaques in the training facility.
There are the various designs of club jumpers and the complete set of those worn in the first ever game in March 1991. In the entrance to The Shed there is the “All The Crows Men” wall listing the 182 players to date who have played for the Crows and photographs of Life Members and Club Ambassadors. Currently there is an exhibition of 85 photos taken during the Club’s first 20 years by retired Advertiser photographer Ray “One Shot” Titus.
In the spirit of inclusiveness, the Club now wishes to extend its recognition of its heritage by identifying, recording and recognising those men and women who might well be described as its “Unsung Heroes”.
The Unsung Hero project will begin with the establishment of a data base detailing those individuals who have made significant contributions to the Club. Often overlooked, unknown to many, forgotten even, lumped together as “the backroom helpers” in “thank you” speeches, football clubs have always been and remain heavily reliant upon the many volunteers, part timers and staff who passionately commit to their club.
They do this for no other reason than it is Their Club and there is a job to be done. They undertake a variety of functions and roles: from doormen, drink, boot and equipment stewards, statisticians, raffle sellers, bbq cookers, masseurs, banner makers and trainers to fund raisers, hosts and committee members. There is the receptionist who spends years fielding abusive phone calls when we lose and listens patiently to complaints or those who just want to chat.
Some have no direct contact with or role within the club such as the dedicated scrap book compiler, the lady who knits the booties for players’ newborns, the donor to the museum of his memorabilia collections, the silent benefactor. If there is a job to be done or a need to be met someone will step forward to do it. They come from all walks of life and while many are retired are of all ages.
A small heritage group has been formed to direct this project. It now seeks to receive nominations from members, supporters and fans that can help preserve the history of the Adelaide Club by informing it of someone known to them who showed or shows passionate and long term commitment to the club importantly contributing to its culture.
All nominations are required to be on an official nomination form which can be obtained by downloading from the club website www.afc.com.au or by contacting the Club on 8440 6666. Contributions will be acknowledged and recorded and where appropriate used and displayed.
Click here to download the 'Unsung Heroes' nomination form
