Adelaide Premiership player Hannah Munyard is relishing a chance to inspire youngsters coming through the ranks at the Crows.

Munyard, who began her AFLW career with the Western Bulldogs in 2020, was secured by the Crows ahead of Season Five, after seeking a trade back home to SA.

But her first campaign with Adelaide didn’t get off to the best start and only featured in three games, while missing out on selection for the Season Five Grand Final against Brisbane.

She did, however, work hard to prove she deserved to be on the list and only missed two games in Season Six through injury, while playing an integral role in the Crows’ flag win.

Speaking to AFC Media ahead of Adelaide’s Round Five clash against GWS, Munyard said she hoped her story would help inspire others.

“I’m a lot more settled in the team which means I’m able to talk to the young draftees about missing out on selection and working their way back into the team,” Munyard said.

“I can really feel for them emotionally.

“I’ve been able to speak up a little bit more and have more influence on the field with my voice.

“I definitely feel I can start stepping into more of a leadership role now and I have a lot of great role models to look up to in that sense.”

“I’ve been able to speak up a little bit more and have more influence on the field with my voice.

Munyard has played all four games so far this season and said she was enjoying spending more time in the forward lines than on the wing.

“I’m happy I’ve come into the forward line this season which is where I want to play most of my footy,” Munyard said.

“To play alongside Ash (Woodland) and DP (Danielle Ponter) has been great and hopefully I can find the goals a bit more going forward.”

Munyard said the Crows’ tight-knit culture would be a key part of their premiership defence, with the side retaining or extending the contracts of 25 players from last season.

“I think the culture and friendships we have built gives us a big advantage this season,” Munyard said.

“Given the expansion, keeping the majority of the core group was really important and given we have been able to do that it shows the great culture of the group.”

Adelaide is hoping to notch its fourth win when it takes on GWS at Unley Oval on Sunday, with the first bounce at 2.40pm. 

“Every game is really important and this week is no different,” Munyard said.

“We are trying to get six wins to make finals, so it’s a really important game for us.

“At home, we always want to get the win in front of our supporters.”