Adelaide Football Club has faced scrutiny for its decision not to suspend or penalise two players for inappropriate behaviour towards women. This controversy began with a Crows player sharing an unauthorised photo of a woman in January. The club chose to prioritise education and counselling over punitive measures, despite the fact that AFL players undergo annual training on respecting women.
Recently, the situation escalated when Blake Drury, a Crows SANFL player, and Aiden Grace from Central District were involved in an incident where they made derogatory remarks about a SANFL employee during a promotional video shoot for an upcoming state match against Western Australia. In response, the SANFL took action by suspending both players for their conduct, but the Adelaide club has refrained from imposing any further penalties.
Adam Kelly, head of football for the Crows, acknowledged the players had “fallen way short of our standards,” yet he insisted the club does not have a cultural problem. Kelly expressed confidence that the club’s values are clear, although the handling of these matters has sparked extensive public debate.
Blake Drury, who previously played for North Melbourne’s AFL team, finds himself at the centre of a growing discussion on player conduct and accountability. The ongoing nature of these incidents highlights the challenges the Adelaide Crows face in fostering a culture of respect and responsibility within their ranks.