Adelaide Crows defender Nick Murray runs a sheep property at Hartley, SA and understands the impact drought can have. Photo: Adelaide Crows

WHATEVER the outcome of Sunday week’s Adelaide Crows versus Gold Coast Suns match at Adelaide Oval, drought awareness will be the winner.

Billed as the Drought Support Match, it comes as part of the AFL’s Round 19, and was initiated by Grain Producers SA.

The match has received support from the South Australian Government in partnership with the Adelaide Football Club, GPSA, Primary Producers SA, Livestock SA, and the SA Dairyfarmers’ Association.

“We’re grateful to the Adelaide Football Club and the State Government for backing this initiative, and we hope it helps raise not just money, but real understanding of what farming families are going through,” GPSA chair John Gladigau said.

Free tickets to the game are available to drought-affected primary producers and their families, and Foodland as the Adelaide Football Club’s home-match partner will donate funds for every Crows goal kicked on the July 20 event.

Mr Gladigau said the match presented a vital opportunity to put the reality of the drought in front of urban audiences.

“This is a chance to take the message of this drought right into the heart of Adelaide and ask city-based South Australians and businesses to rally around our farmers.”

“We welcome the $100,000 donation to the Rural Business Support Relief Fund from the State Government as part of the Drought Support Match and contributions from the Adelaide Crows and Foodland.”

“We know a football game can’t break the drought, but what it can do is bring people together and raise real money for those who need it.”

As part of the initiative, Adelaide Crows defender Nick Murray, who grew up at Henty in New South Wales, and now runs a sheep property at Hartley, will join other players and club staff to deliver a free footy clinic for regional kids in Clare and Mannum.

The community clinics will include barbecues and autograph sessions.

Mr Gladigau said GPSA has met with SA Premier Peter Malinauskas and Minister for Primary Industries Clare Scriven to continues its advocacy for immediate financial relief for growers, including no or low-interest loans, and council-rate rebates.

Source: GPSA