Being drafted to an AFL club can be an exciting yet nerve wracking experience, according to Adelaide’s Player Development Manager Kelly Vennus.

But it’s Vennus’ job to ensure the transition into being a full-time footy player is smooth.

Vennus, who has held the position since 2021, is also in charge of the wellbeing and development of the Crows’ players.

Speaking on this week’s episode of The Crows Show, Vennus gave an insight into what her role entails.

“The first step is being over there for draft night, which is very exciting for the family and the player,” Vennus said.

“The conversations turn pretty quickly into coming over and what that looks like.

“That first couple of weeks in Adelaide is often with a senior player so they get a real feel for what it's like to be at the Adelaide Football Club.”

Vennus said another crucial part of her job was making sure players also had an interest outside of football.

“It can be all consuming for the boys and when family and friends are taken away it does become all about football,” Vennus said.

“It's really good for the boys to have something else whether it be studying or a course.”

Vennus said that looking ahead to their lives after they finished playing was equally as important and players were given the tools to thrive post-football.

“We think of this career as number one and right from day one, it's looking at what career number two looks like,” Vennus said.

“That helps that transition out of football to be as smooth as possible.”

Also on The Crows Show this week, young midfielder Jake Soligo explains his decision to re-sign, and the Eyre Peninsula’s Mortlock Shield is showcased.

The Crows Show airs on Channel 7 on Sunday at 3pm.