Adelaide has finalised its 2023 AFLW coaching structure with two-time premiership player Marijana Rajcic and former Crow Riley Knight appointed assistant coaches.

The pair will join Senior Coach Matthew Clarke and fellow assistants Courtney Cramey and Emma Sampson in guiding the team in Season Eight.

Rajcic announced her AFLW retirement last month and will move from the field into the coaches’ box to oversee the defenders she played alongside.

Knight, who played 55 AFL games for the Crows between 2015 and 2020, returns to West Lakes and will take charge of the forward line.

Since finishing his AFL career, Knight has played SANFL with Woodville-West Torrens and is currently undertaking his Level 2 coaching course.

Head of Women’s Football Phil Harper said both former players had the right skillset to become successful coaches with the team.

“Marijana is a teacher by trade and anyone who has had anything to do with her is aware she knows the game inside out, so it was a no-brainer to have her involved with the coaching staff now that she has finished playing,” Harper said.

“Riley was always invested in our AFLW team when he was a player here and with his passion for both our AFLW team and coaching, we are happy to have him on board, it’s a win for him and it’s a win for the Club.”

Cramey will remain as the midfield assistant coach while also taking on the full-time development role replacing Jack Hombsch who has joined the men’s side as a development coach.

“Courtney has been an outstanding coach over the past few years and she will be supported in the midfield by Emma Sampson, who looked after our defenders last year,” Harper said.

SANFL player Jack Madgen will also join the coaching staff in a development co-ordinator role, helping players with their skills and as extra assistance for the coaches.

“Jack was really keen to help the players with their craft and our team are lucky to have a player with his experience as a resource,” Harper said. 

Forwards coach Peter Caven will not return to coaching after being at the Club for six seasons and involved in the two premiership wins in 2019 and 2022.

“We were blessed to have a past premiership player like Cavo help our team, initially coming on board for one year and ended up staying six years to work with our defenders and forwards,” Harper said.

“Cavo is extremely popular with our players and while we will miss him around the Club, we thank him for his exceptional input and happy he is now part of the AFLW premiership history at Adelaide.”

The AFLW sign and trade period will run from Friday, March 10 to Monday, March 20, while the start date for Season Eight is still yet to be confirmed by the AFL.