When Crows recruit Jessica Allan walks through the doors at West Lakes to begin her fifth AFLW pre-season she will be entering familiar territory.
Allan began her career at the highest level in the tri-colours, playing four games during the 2018 season, before shifting to Canberra to pursue a career in the military, while suiting up for Greater Western Sydney.
She will be also greeted by a number of familiar faces, none more special than her sister Sarah, who over the past four years has blossomed into one of the AFLW’s most accomplished defenders.
Allan’s return to the Crows complements a shift home to South Australia, as she embarks on the next phase of her career as a Medical Corps GSO at the RAAF base at Edinburgh.
Speaking to AFC Media, Allan said she was keen to be back where it all started.
“I am absolutely stoked (with the move), just to be able to play footy in SA and with Sarah again it is a big thrill,” Allan said.
“I finished up with my study in Canberra last year and it just happened that everything fell into place with a posting in Adelaide, which gave me this opportunity to come back to the Crows.
“Sarah and the club have had a lot of success over the years that I’ve been away, so to be able to be part of that again it is such a privilege and I cannot wait to get started.”
Since departing the Crows at the end of 2018, Allan played 14 games for the Giants in 2020 and 2021, before taking a break from football in 2022 and missing AFLW Seasons Six and Seven.
She said the time away from home allowed her to grow as both a footballer and a person.
“When I played for the Crows I was in my gap year out of school and working for CROWmania, so I was very young at the time,” Allan said.
"Going away allowed me to grow up a lot and especially in the army I have to do a lot of harder training which has definitely made me a stronger person.
“Footy wise I loved playing with the Giants, there was a great culture with the group and I learnt a lot about my game and where I could improve.
“I think these past four years will put me in great stead as I come back to the Crows.”
In the lead-up to the 2023 AFLW season, Allan has been plying her trade for Central District in the SANFLW.
She said her main focus had been expanding her game from playing solely as a ruck.
“I’ve loved playing with Central this year, and I’ve been really focused on developing more as a forward and being a bit more of a versatile player where I can use my height to my advantage,” Allan said.
“When it comes to the AFLW I haven’t really thought too much about the season yet, for me it is all about getting my skills and touch back.
“I’m just happy to be playing footy again this year, especially after being away for the last two seasons, I just want to get back to the footy I know I’m capable of playing as quickly as possible.”
