There’s two days until Adelaide’s AFLW Premiership gets underway and Captain Chelsea Randall says she couldn’t be more excited.
For the first time, the new season is kicking off in late August, rather than in the scorching January heat.
That means established Clubs, like the Crows, will be lining up in two seasons this year.
But speaking to the media on Wednesday, Randall said the Crows were up for the challenge.
“I’m very excited,” the three-time Premiership Skipper said.
“I’ve actually loved having this turn around because normally in this winter season it’s our off-season and normally I’m running around on my own.
‘I’ve loved being able to train with my teammates throughout the winter and go to another level.
“It means we’ve actually been able to not just maintain our strength and conditioning but go to a new level.”
The Crows retained or extended the contracts of 25 players from its Season Six squad.
They also added Niamh Kelly and Amber Ward following a trade with West Coast, as well as draftees Kiera Mueller and Keeley Kustermann and replacement player Jess Waterhouse.
Randall, who captained the Crows to flags in 2017, 2019 and 2022, said the Club’s strong culture had helped build success.
“We pride ourselves on the culture we’ve been able to set up here in the Adelaide Crows women’s side,” Randall said.
“It’s fantastic to see that the girls did have some offers elsewhere but they chose to stay because they just love this footy Club, they love what we’ve created.
“We support one another through it and we are looking forward to what we can do this season.”
Randall expected this season to be the toughest yet, with all 18 Clubs involved in the competition.
“We’ve got four Clubs coming into this season and that adds a little bit of spice,” Randall said.
“It’s the unknown of what they might bring and how their teams will work with one another.
“That’s what’s awesome about the AFLW - we are getting faster, we are getting fitter, we are getting stronger, we are getting more skilful and the game’s changed significantly from 2017.”
Adelaide takes on Melbourne in a Grand Final rematch at Glenelg Oval on Friday, with the first bounce at 7.10pm.
Tickets available here.
