Adelaide AFLW Captain Chelsea Randall has shared her favourite moment from Season Seven.
Randall, who notched career-best numbers in both disposals (17.8) and clearances (3.7), spoke to AFC Media post-season and reflected on the year that was.
The 31-year-old said her favourite memory was playing in the inaugural Showdown against crosstown rival Port Adelaide.
In that game, Randall claimed the AFLW’s first Showdown Medal on the back of 27 disposals, seven clearances and three majors.
“It was just incredible and I feel so fortunate to have been a part of the inaugural Showdown and I look forward to the many more that will come over the years,” Randall said.
“Having 20-odd thousand people in the stands at Adelaide Oval was fantastic.
“It was a great night, with an incredible atmosphere.”
Randall, who was recognised for an outstanding year with All Australian selection, as well as being named the AFLW Players’ Most Courageous and Best Captain awards, said the development of the youngsters in the team was also a highlight.
“Honestly, just watching our young talent come through has been a favourite of mine,” Randall said,
“I’m so chuffed with the likes of Teah Charlton, Maddi Newman, Caitlin. Gould, young Zoe Prowse was excellent, Chelsea Biddell, they all really found their groove and I’m looking forward to their futures.
“All our young kids played a significant role - Kiera Mueller debuted and then held her spot and in her first year, that’s a really big thing.”
Randall said having two AFLW seasons in one year within just five months and that included a flag, before a Preliminary Final exit, had taken its toll on her mentally.
“This season was rewardingly challenging,” Randall said.
“It was really mentally challenging but physically it was the best thing to happen because you didn’t have to train on your own, you got to see your mates all year around and I absolutely loved it.
“I’m immensely proud of the girls for the year we had with a Premiership and another finals series.
“I’m really excited for what’s next, we’ve got a taste of what some of our young talent can do and picture another year under their belt, it’s going to be another exciting year for our fans.”
She said spending time with family in Western Australia was a main priority during the off-season, before returning to Adelaide to resume her role as an AFL development coach.
In June, Randall became the first full-time female coach within the Club’s men’s ranks,as part of the League’s Women’s Coaching Acceleration Program.
“Firstly, for me, the off-season is about resetting and re-energising, and for me that means family time here in WA, so I’ll be here until the new year,” Randall said.
“Then I’m back into full-time work with the men’s team. I've got my last year of Uni as well. It's been 12 years in the making, so it’s going to be a year of hard work.”
