They may have lost the biggest game of the year but thousands of diehard Adelaide Crows fans have hailed their team as heroes in a spirited display at Adelaide Oval.
About 3000 fans waited patiently for much of the Sunday afternoon as flight problems delayed the arrival of the team.
It was a subdued group that took to the stage, the players and support staff still clearly hurting after the 48-point drubbing at the hands of Richmond in the AFL grand final.
But captain Taylor Walker said the fact that so many fans had waited for so long was nothing less than he expected.
"This doesn't surprise me at all," he said as the fans chanted and cheered.
Star midfielder Rory Sloane said seeing so many fans would help put a smile on the faces of the whole team.
"We love our crowd. We get such great support," he said.
"We had a great year and playing in the grand final is what the boys dream about.
"We dream about winning one and we didn't get to do that but we'll be back again to make it right."
Walker said there was no doubt the team was devastated, but seeing the level of support, win or lose, also helped put the grand final disappointment into perspective.
"There's a lot more people in life worse off than we are," he said.
"But that's footy, there's always a winner and always a loser.
"We've got really loyal and passionate fans and it's great to see so many of them out here today."
"We'll come back bigger and better."
Crows chairman Rob Chapman said support for the team both in Melbourne and back in Adelaide had been magnificent.
"We had a lot of Crows' supporters in Melbourne," he told the crowd.
"Then there were all the people here around the barbecues in the backyard, watching in pubs and clubs or at Adelaide Oval.
"I'm really proud of our supporters. We have a wonderful voice.
"So thank you, thank you so much."
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