'Flying as one' into new era

Narangba Crows have spread their AFL wings and are drawing-up big plans for the future.

Momentum has been building this year, despite only fielding Under 8 and Under 10 teams in SEQ Junior competitions.

The club has a new-look shirt full of sponsors who also ensure all players are given free headguards and mouthpieces.

Committee members have arranged a Grill’d fundraising lunch, held two Bunnings sausage sizzles and promoted the club in schools and community events.

The Crows have since been approached by a women’s team looking to join them at Burpengary Sports Complex, in Findlay St.

There are plans to host Under 8, Under 9, Under 10 and Under 11 teams as well as “a team or two of Auskick Transition kids”.

Crows men’s team was denied registration this season because the Crowsnest field lighting did not meet AFL Lux standards.

However, the club has applied for a Super Round grant from the Community Gambling Benefit Fund to try and rectify the problem.

AFL Queensland was so impressed Tanya Black, whose roles include co-ordinating the canteen, uniform shop, sponsorship, social media and fundraising, has been named a Volunteer of the Week.

Ironically, an injury while kicking a footy with her son, led to Tanya attending her first club meeting and then volunteering for multiple roles at the Annual Meeting.

“We have a very tight team, ‘we fly as one’ is our club moto," she said.

"We look forward to being back at the top of our game, building numbers back and being as loud and well known as other clubs in our area.

“In 2019 we had a team for every age group, including colts and all girls’ teams. Now, we're tracking well to triple our teams next year.

"We know past players still watch our socials and would come back when we have a team to accommodate them.

“We have yet to find somewhere to hold a monthly meat tray raffle, but we're getting noticed and halfway through this season are still getting new players.

“The right people are pushing the club forward, see how big we can get in the next five years and how many free headgear and mouthguards we can hand out.”

Tanya said providing the free safety gear was the “best move we made”.

“At our 2024 sign-on day, parents were amazed at what we offer, while maintaining the cheapest club fees in the area,” she said.

“We’ve been complimented by other clubs and told we’re doing exactly what needs to be done to increase safety and make concussion awareness more public.”