Adelaide AFLW Assistant Coach Riley Knight likens mentoring the Crows’ forward line to “being given the keys to a Ferrari”.

Knight, who played 55 AFL games for the Crows between 2015 and 2020, became a part of the Club’s AFLW coaching cohort in February.

Since then, he has been charged with leading and developing the Crows’ strong crop of forwards, including the likes of Eloise Jones, Danielle Ponter, Caitlin Gould, Rachele Martin and sometimes even Skipper Chelsea Randall.

Speaking to AFC Media ahead of Adelaide’s AFLW Preliminary Final against North Melbourne on Sunday, Knight said having talented players helped make his job easier.

“I joke all the time that it's like being given the keys to a Ferrari,” Knight said.

“We’ve got so many talented footballers up there and I’ve been really lucky to inherit such a great, talented forward line.

“At times I find myself in cruise control because the girls are so skilled.

“It’s great to have the likes of Chels up there who’s played a lot of footy and has also coached a lot now, but also to have some super talented and super experienced players in EJ, Gouldy and Danielle Ponter.

“It’s been amazing to be able to inherit that as a forward-line coach.”

Since finishing his AFL career, Knight has continued to play footy with SANFL Club Woodville-West and is almost finished his Level 2 coaching course.

“Coaching is something that I’ve always wanted to do, even during my early playing days at Adelaide,” Knight said.

“To be able to get an opportunity like I’ve got here at Adelaide with the AFLW side is something I’m really thankful for.”

Knight said he kept a close eye on the Club’s AFLW side during his time at the Club as a player and had loved being part of the program upon a return to the Crows’ nest.

“It’s been a really fun and enjoyable year,” Knight said.

“I’ve loved seeing how far the skill level and the actual competition has come in the past four or five years since I left and have come back into it.

“Seeing how much more skillful and how much more professional the AFLW competition has become has been amazing.

“The most enjoyable part has been just being involved with such an enthusiastic and energetic group and get to know them.”

Adelaide’s AFLW side has enjoyed a solid year, having ended the season as minor premiers and are now preparing for their fifth Preliminary Final in the six seasons they have been scheduled, including the cancelled 2020 matches.

And as the Crows strive towards earning a sixth Grand Final berth and winning a historic fourth flag, Knight said the disappointment of losing last year’s Preliminary Final was driving the team.

“I think the disappointment of last year’s result has been a partial driver for the group this year,” Knights said.

“But I think it’s just a credit to Doc and his coaching staff that he’s had over the years to instil such a great culture and a drive and hunger to always want to be the best in the competition.

“We know that our best footy is good enough but we have a good respect for the competition and North Melbourne is one of the really strong teams.

“It should be a really great contest to watch.”