Former Adelaide Crow Josh Jenkins speaks out about controversial camp days after Eddie Betts’s book release – Michmutters
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Former Adelaide Crow Josh Jenkins speaks out about controversial camp days after Eddie Betts’s book release

Retired AFL player Josh Jenkins has called for a “damning report” by a club doctor following the Adelaide Crows’ controversial 2018 camp to be made public and says he was moved on from the club for being a “problem child.”

Jenkins has spoken publicly about the camp for the first time, backing up former teammate Eddie Betts — who has released a book this week which details the trauma he experienced as a result of the 2018 camp.

As well as outlining his own experience at the camp, Jenkins has called for the findings from a report conducted by club doctor Marc Cesana after the camp to be made public.

“No-one has ever acted on that report, which I know is damning,” Jenkins told Melbourne radio station SEN.

“The report must see the light of day. It’s the only example of a medical professional who had day-to-day dealings with the people and players who were involved. He was concerned about us.

“He expressed his disappointment to me about what happened to us, but never disclosed the details of what he’d discussed with other players.”

In a statement, the Adelaide Crows said the club was not in a position to publicly share private medical information relating to its people.

“While under investigation, the club provided the doctor’s report, without identifying individuals, to both the AFL and SafeWork SA,” it said.

Jenkins also claimed the club’s welfare manager was “iced out” of all discussions, planning and follow-up conversations regarding the camp.

Josh Jenkins and Darcy Fogarty give each other a high five during the Crows' encounter against the Bulldogs.
Josh Jenkins says he had asked facilitators not to use information about his upbringing during the camp.(AAP: Kelly Barnes)

In detailing the events of the camp, Jenkins said he was one of 10 players and two coaches who were part of the more intensive “group one” version of the camp.

He said he had reservations about taking part in the camp and tried to get himself out of it on numerous occasions.

“I recall us going around the circle and accepting the challenge whilst a couple of players needed to be withdrawn due to injury issues, as well as one player being removed because of some personal trauma he’d recently experienced,” Jenkins said.

“Hearing he was removed because his personal trauma may be too much on top of what we were about to endure had alarm bells ringing inside my head.”

Jenkins, who was raised by his non-biological grandmother, said he provided a “supposed counsellor” with details about his childhood prior to going on the camp.

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