Crows tagger Robert Shirley is a former North Whyalla Football Club colt, recruited to Woodville West Torrens and subsequently to Adelaide Crows in 2000.

Whyalla Football League president Jim Hewitson said the local community is looking forward to his return and he was sure to receive a hero’s welcome at Bennet Oval on Saturday.

“Being a Whyalla lad and having played and starting his career here, he will bring an extra charisma to the game,” Mr Hewitson said.

“Hardworking and dedicated players like Robbie have demonstrated that a boy from a country town can make it and that will give the other kids an added incentive to strive to be the best.

“We are very happy to have him back and it means a lot to the local players who are looking at enhancing their career in the sport.

“He is Whyalla’s pride and we welcome him back with open arms.”

Robbie, as he is known fondly in Whyalla, moved to Woodville-West Torrens Football Club almost a decade ago.

To commemorate the SANFL community round in conjunction with the AFL Hall of Fame match - Shirley will make the trek “home” to rejuvenate the football flame at grassroots level.

Not all the players will be visiting a club they previously played for, as many have come to play in South Australia from interstate.

Community Football Weekend has been tied in with ongoing celebrations commemorating 150 years of football.

Community Football Weekend sees grassroots football connect with the elite of the game, with more than 40 Crows and Power players making an appearance at 24 regional football games around the State, in addition to the four SANFL rivalry round matches.