Crows defender Dayna Cox has announced her AFLW retirement after two Premierships in 32 games for the Club.

Cox, 29, was the final player signed to Adelaide’s inaugural team in 2016 and debuted in the Club’s first ever AFLW game against GWS in Round One, 2017.

She then went on to play in Adelaide’s 2017 and 2019 Grand Final wins against Brisbane and Carlton before moving to the inactive list for Season Seven due to work commitments with the South Australian Police.

Prior to her AFLW debut, Cox represented South Australia in the Under-18 Women’s National Cricket Championship and played for the SAWFL in a state game against NSW.

Cox said after balancing full-time shift work and an AFLW career, she was ready for life after football.

“I will be forever grateful and proud to be a part of the inaugural Adelaide Crows AFLW team,” Cox said.

“Thank you to the Club, the support staff, our supporters and sponsors, you give us the opportunity to play this great game and the success the Club has shared thus far is a credit to all involved.

“To my teammates, the bonds we have made are irreplaceable and I can only hope I served you well as a defender who sometimes let the fire in her belly get a little out of hand.

“To my partner, my family, my friends, my work colleagues, thank you for your constant and unwavering support to allow me to live out a dream no one knew was possible.”

Crows Head of Football Phil Harper said Cox overcame numerous challenges during her football career to become a two-time Premiership player and remains a very respected and popular figure at West Lakes.

“Dayna was the ultimate competitor – she was tough to play against and left everything out on the field,” Harper said.

“She always stood up for her teammates and regularly sacrificed her own game to shut down the opposition’s most dangerous small forward.

“Dayna worked extremely hard to establish a career with South Australia Police and the time is right for her to focus on the next chapter of her life.

“We thank Dayna for everything she has contributed to the Adelaide Football Club and the women’s football community and wish her, and her family, all the best for the future.”