Adelaide Crows Legend Darren Jarman Reminisces with Senior Suppporters

Darren Jarman - the Adelaide Crows' dual premiereship legend has paid a visit to Life Care's residential aged care homes as part of his end-of-season tour. 

“I love to see the passion people have for footy, and it is particularly important for older people to maintain that enjoyment,” he said.

“It gives everybody something to look forward to week after week, year after year.  Age is irrespective when it comes to football because you can still barrack for your club even if you can no longer get along to the games.”

The final week of AFL Grand Final celebrations kick off this week and Darren wanted to showcase the unique partnership that has developed between the Adelaide Football Club and Life Care. 

The relationship between the two highlights that people living in aged care maintain strong community connections and interests, particularly when it comes to sport. 

Darren met with enthusiastic Life Care residents, staff and volunteers, to reflect on his extensive football career, which includes a premiereship win with Hawthorn and two Grand Final victories with the Adelaide Crows. 

He filled rooms with laughter about some of his on and off-field exploits, including missing the team’s 1998 premiership victory motorcade through the streets of Adelaide while he recovered from grand final celebrations.

“I woke up in time to turn on the TV and see a cardboard cut-out picture of myself in the car carrying my name,” he said.

Darren joked with Life Care’s residents, signed autographs, presented footy tipping competition winners with their trophies, and competed in a sporting quiz.

At Aldinga Beach Court, Darren presented resident Jean Rutherford with her third consecutive trophy for winning the local AFL tipping competition.

Jean was thrilled with the visit by Darren recalling him and brother Andrew playing as juniors for Gaza Football Club in the north-eastern suburbs before embarking on SANFL and AFL careers.

“I remember how great the Jarman boys were,” she said.  “I love footy and especially the Crows.”

Life Care's CEO, Allen Candy, says the partnership between Life Care and the Adelaide Crows is an important part of the organisasion's philosophy to help each person in its care to "live every day" through doing the things that they enjoy. 

“Football is an enduring joy for older people and we greatly value our relationship with the Adelaide Crows and greats of the game like Darren Jarman.

“He is an outstanding ambassador for the club and the game.”

Photograph: Attached is a picture of Darren Jarman at Life Care’s Glenrose Court with resident Sheila Nunn.