Adelaide AFLW defender Zoe Prowse says Vice Captain and three-time Premiership player Sarah Allan has been the perfect mentor, helping her learn the ropes down back.

Allan, a mainstay in Adelaide’s stingy defensive unit for the past seven campaigns, has been forced to watch from the sidelines this year, after injuring her hamstring during the pre-season.

The injury paved the way for Prowse to step up and take up a key defensive role in Allan’s absence.

The 20-year-old has seized the opportunity, averaging 5.4 intercepts, 2.8 marks and 9.8 disposals across five games so far.

Speaking to AFC Media, Prowse said Allan’s guidance and support has helped fast track her development as a key defender. 

“I think I am improving each game but there are still challenges playing against some pretty good teams,” Prowse said.

“I’m happy with how I have been going, but there is always work to do.

“Sez (Sarah) has been able to mentor us on the side, so while she is not playing, she is still with us a lot of the time.

“A lot of the credit goes to her, helping us out and teaching us how to play.”

Prowse, who was selected with Pick No.17 at the 2021 AFLW National Draft, entered this season having only featured in seven games.

She then only made the switch to defence for Adelaide’s final four games of Season Seven.

The 177cm youngster said she was taking this year week-by-week as she continued to become a pillar in the Crows’ backline.

“I was up forward at the start of last year but converting to the backline I have become a lot more comfortable,” Prowse said.

“Although I didn’t have a lot of experience at SANFL level in the backline I have had the right people around me that have helped with the transition into that position.

“We are a pretty young team and I feel like we are growing together each week.

“A lot of it comes back to communication on and off the field of how we can improve and work together as a team.”

Adelaide has another tough test weekend, facing Melbourne in a top-of-the table clash.

The Demons feature one of the League’s premier forward lines, averaging 79.8 points a game this year, while Adelaide’s defence is yet to concede more than two goals.

For Prowse, it will be another challenging game as she is likely to match up on Demon’s forward Eden Zanker, who has kicked 10 goals in 2023.

“I just think it is an opportunity to show them we’re here and we’re just as good as them or better than them,” Prowse said.

“I am just going to look at this week like I look at every other game, just do my job and try to stop her.

“I am looking forward to the challenge.”