Images: City Collective
Adelaide Football Club and the State Government have joined forces to grant community access to Thebarton Oval after decades of inaccessibility, and to enhance the facilities for the State’s women’s football.
The State Government’s $15 million funding, matched by the Federal Government’s equal commitment, will be invested in the Crows’ new Thebarton Oval precinct.
Not only will the funding ensure state-of-the-art recreation and sports facilities that will be open for public access, but it will also champion the growth of women’s football in South Australia. The Adelaide Crows, with teams in the AFL, AFLW, and SANFL, are set to benefit with new training facilities. Moreover, Thebarton Oval is slated to be the new home ground for Crows AFLW games.
While the venue has seen its fair share of action-packed matches, it has always been distant from the local community. Peter Malinauskas backed the redevelopment, stating, “Thebarton Oval hasn’t been open for public use for decades – we are changing that. It will kick goals as a multi-purpose training facility for elite female and male athletes that can also be used by the community.” He envisions the new Thebarton Oval precinct to be a communal hub where people exercise, enjoy quality family time, or simply take a leisurely walk with their pets.
For Tom Koutsantonis, a lifelong resident of the western suburbs, this redevelopment holds personal significance. Sharing his experience, he said, “I’ve lived in the western suburbs my entire life… both my children have never stepped foot on Thebarton Oval. This is the experience of most local families who have been locked out of this oval. Finally, we get Thebarton Oval back – and a great new neighbour.”
While the announcement has understandably led to waves of excitement amongst fans and community members alike, the Adelaide Football Club, too, acknowledges the benefits of the project. Club president John Olsen shared his gratitude: “We are thankful for the assistance provided by the Premier and his Government… This funding is crucial to delivering high performance advantages for our elite players and coaches, along with creating a leading sports and community precinct.”
Moreover, in the wake of the North-South Corridor project, an additional $10 million is allocated for in-kind infrastructure works. These funds will enhance open green spaces, community areas, and recreational facilities, ensuring a seamless connection with Kings Reserve. It’s also noteworthy that the redevelopment commits to no net tree loss, preserving the ecological balance within the precinct.
The Adelaide Crows AFLW team, despite their on-field achievements, has been one of the few without a home ground. With many interstate governments investing heavily in AFLW facilities, this move is seen as a significant step forward for South Australian women’s football.
Dr. Emma Dawes of the 5031 CF&GS Action Group highlighted the dual advantage of this redevelopment. “This is a significant step forwards towards a precinct that can service the needs of the crows and continue to meet those of the inner west community.”
The new investment builds on the Malinauskas Labor Government’s $18 million grant program for dedicated female sporting facilities and improvements to grow female participation.
