Chelsea Randall and Erin Phillips have been named as the historic first co-captains of the Crows AFL Women’s team.
The two will lead the 2017 Crows side together with joint vice-captains Sally Riley and Angela Foley, who are based in the Northern Territory and will lead the Club’s group in Darwin.
The four were nominated for their roles in a leadership session held during the team’s training camp in Darwin this weekend, where players were asked to align their teammates with the squad’s trademarks.
Adelaide-based Randall, who hails from Western Australia, is an athletic and versatile player with exceptional skills. The 25-year-old three-time All Australian joined the Crows as one of two marquee signings and also works in the Club’s community team.
Phillips, one of Australia’s greatest female basketballers, brings a wealth of leadership experience to the team. The 31-year-old dual Olympian plays professional basketball in the United States for the Dallas Wings and is a member of the Australian Opals. She was signed by the Crows as a rookie because she has not participated in football competitively since she was a junior.
Crows Women’s Senior Coach Bec Goddard said she was delighted with the appointments.
“Both Chelsea and Erin are exceptional leaders who are extremely deserving of this appointment – I’m thrilled that they will forever be part of the Club’s history,” Goddard said.
“Right from the start both Chelsea and Erin have been great role models for all of the players in the squad. They are elite in everything they do for the Club on and off the field and certainly have the skills to lead the group strongly.
“Sally and Angela have also been fantastic leaders during pre-season and will play an important role with our players based in Darwin.”
Randall said it was an honour to be awarded the co-captaincy.
”I feel absolutely privileged to be named in the team’s inaugural leadership group,” she said.
“This team is my new family and I really cannot wait to represent this Club.”
Phillips echoed Randall’s statements.
“It’s an absolute honour to be able to lead the team in our first season,” she said.
“I was thrilled just to be given the opportunity to play professional football and now to be named as a leader at the Club – I’m blown away.
“My dad was captain of his team during his playing days and he used to say what a privilege it was so it’s extremely special to be able to follow in his footsteps.”
The Crows AFL Women’s team is in partnership with AFLNT, with nine of the squad based in Darwin and the remaining 18 players in Adelaide.
The team has a trial game against Fremantle at TIO Stadium in Darwin at 5pm CST today. The first official game will be held at Adelaide’s Thebarton Oval on Saturday, 4 February at 4.35pm with free entry for all.
Erin Phillips and Chelsea Randall are co-captains of the Club's AFLW team
