Adelaide AFLW recruit Yvonne Bonner says she has unfinished business after her first stint in the competition ended earlier than she had hoped. 

Bonner played a full campaign with GWS in 2019 and two games in 2020, before the Covid-19 pandemic and a season-ending ankle injury forced her to return to Ireland later that year.

The 35-year-old has now been given a second shot at playing Aussie Rules after Adelaide selected her at this year’s AFLW Supplementary Draft.

Speaking to AFC Media, the Irish forward said she always wanted to find her way back to Australia and the AFLW.

“The season (2020) ended pretty quickly and I was hoping to get back after the injury if the season had continued on,” Bonner said. 

“When I returned home it was always in the back of my mind, would it (playing AFLW) ever happen again?

“I just asked the question and it worked out and the Crows wanted to sign me.

“There were a lot of things that needed to line up but here I am, I’m very grateful it all worked out.”

Bonner said her family was loving being back in Australia and was settling into its new life in Adelaide well.

“I’m not a city girl, I’m from the country back home, so I think Adelaide suits me pretty well and we are loving it,” Bonner said.

“My husband Paul has always loved Australian life so that makes things easier.

“Every time we go home, we always get that itch that we would love to come back (to Australia) again.”

The talented Gaelic footballer revealed fellow Irish cross-coder Niamh Kelly had taken her under her wing since she arrived at West Lakes earlier this month.

“Niamh is from Ireland as well, I didn't actually know her but I knew of her,” Bonner said.

“It's lovely having her, she's made me feel so welcome and helped me settle in over here.

“All the girls are so thoughtful and they are so welcoming.”

The powerful forward kicked seven goals from 11 AFLW appearances and said she was relishing being back in a high performance environment, and looking forward to the season ahead. 

“It's great to be back in a professional set up and the training is so sharp and elite,” Bonner said.

“That’s the good thing about being in this team, everyone pushes harder to reach a high standard.

“Everything we are doing on the training pitch, hopefully we can bring it to the game.

“I’m really looking forward to getting started and getting stuck in.”

The 2023 AFLW Season kicks off in the first weekend of September, with the full fixture set to be released soon.

Crows 2023 AFLW Memberships available here.