AFL club icon with Down syndrome who’s been an Adelaide Crows staffer for more than a decade could lose his home due to shocking move

• Jacob Milbank is chief motivational officer for the Crows 
• Club cult hero is desperate not to lose home he shares

By JAMES COONEY FOR DAILY MAIL AUSTRALIA

Adelaide Crows cult hero Jacob Milbank is at risk of losing the home he shares with seven housemates with intellectual disabilities, with his local council wanting to put the property under the hammer.

Milbank, who has been the chief motivational officer at the Crows for 15 years and is a beloved figure in the football community, is appealing to the City of Marion Council not to sell his home.

The southern suburbs property has been a bedrock of stability for Milbank and his housemates who rely on the residence for their independence.

The council’s potential decision to sell-up has sparked an emotional plea from the group, who would rather not be split up.

‘I’m not doing that (leaving the home),’ Milbank told Seven News. 

‘I just want to stay here.’

Jacob Milbank (pictured centre with Crows stars Darcy Fogarty, left, and Tex Walker)  is pleading with council not to put his share house under the hammer

Milbank’s dad says Jacob (pictured at Crows training) has been anxious and depressed about the prospect of moving

Milbank’s dad, Tony, says the uncertainty is taking a toll on his son.

‘In the last 12 months he has become anxious and depressed,’ he said.

Marion Mayor Kris Hanna says expressions of interest from private providers who want to buy the property would have to include a plan to let the current residents stay.

‘There are specialists out there providing disability accommodation and they are best placed to be running places like this,’ Hanna said.

The decision is still in the proposal stage, but Milbank’s story has resonated deeply with locals. 

‘Housing crisis and the council want to make them homeless. The council should be ashamed of themselves,’ posted one Facebook user.

‘Disgusting act of council,’ another replied.

‘The Crows should buy it,’ suggested a third.

Milbank is the chief motivational officer and is a beloved figure in the footy community

Milbank works one day a week in the club office and two days a week on the training paddock assisting the players.

It is a huge leap forward for a bloke that was once so shy he couldn’t even be in the same room as his idols. 

Today, he shares strong bonds with many of the players including a special friendship with club veteran and former skipper Taylor ‘Tex’ Walker.

‘Jacob Milbank is a prime example of what makes our footy club, he brings a lot of joy to everyone,’ Walker said of Milbank in 2022.

‘His transformation into a young man has been unbelievable and one that I’ve really enjoyed being a part of.

‘Jacob and I have been good mates for a long time.

‘He tells me he’s a legend of the footy club and if he wasn’t here the footy club probably wouldn’t turn.’

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AFL club icon with Down syndrome who’s been an Adelaide Crows staffer for more than a decade could lose his home due to shocking move

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