Adelaide has signed small forward Jess Waterhouse as a replacement for premiership player Jasmyn Hewett, who is moving onto the inactive list.

While disappointed to not be playing, Hewett said the career opportunity to work with AirServices Australia as an Aviation Rescue Fire Fighter was too good to refuse.

“It’s bittersweet, it’s hard to express the emotions,” Hewett said.

“I have absolutely loved being part of the Crows this past season and I am so grateful for the opportunities this football Club has given me.

“I feel so lucky to have achieved the ultimate success with such a great group of girls and will forever cherish those memories.

“Unfortunately, the training for this new job is at the same time as Season Seven, so I will be unavailable to play. 

“The opportunity to work as an Aviation Rescue Fire Fighter is one that I could not pass up and I am excited to get started.”

Hewett, 28, has played 16 AFLW games in two stints with the Crows, with the first being in 2018, and she also spent time at the Gold Coast Suns during 2020.

“We are obviously disappointed Jazz won’t be taking to the field with us, but we are hopeful of her returning in Season Eight when her new job framework is more settled,” Crows Head of Women’s Football Phil Harper said.

“She’s a great character and such an incredible athlete whom we will certainly miss.

“However, we understand that at this stage in Jazz's life, her career outside of football needs to come first and this is an opportunity that is way too good to refuse, so we wish her all the very best.”

Waterhouse, 25, will begin training with the Crows immediately in preparation for the upcoming AFLW season.

An explosive 157cm forward, Waterhouse was a standout at SANFLW level in her first year with South Adelaide after switching from soccer. 

The former junior Matilda and Adelaide United representative showed great goal sense, kicking 16 majors to finish equal-second in the League goalkicking. 

“Jess only gave up soccer to return to footy a couple of years ago and it was quite impressive what she was able to achieve in her first season with South Adelaide,” Harper said.

“We think Jess can develop into a dangerous small forward and add some more potency to our forward half.”

Hewett joins Dayna Cox and Deni Varnhagen on the Club’s inactive list for Season Seven. 

Adelaide kicks off its premiership defence with a Grand Final rematch against Melbourne under lights at Norwood Oval on Friday, August 26.