Natural talents and competitive beasts.

That’s what former Adelaide player Courtney Cramey thought when watching Sarah Allan and Ebony Marinoff play when they were just teenagers.

Cramey was helping out the State under-18 side’s coaching cohort back in 2015 and Allan and Marinoff were part of the team.

SA went on to defeat NSW/ACT at the national championships that year, winning Pool B, and Allan claimed the Best and Fairest medal.

From that moment, Cramey knew the pair would amount to something special on the footy field.

“Sarah was a natural football talent from the get go, very composed, had a good kick, it was probably one of the longest kicks in the team at that time,” Cramey said.

“Ebony’s competitive nature was what really shone, she was, and still is, a true competitor.

“She would just try and try and try, although she wasn’t as naturally gifted as Sarah, what she gave in terms of her heart and soul was unbelievable.”

Allan and Marinoff, who were born four days apart and have gone through their footballing journey alongside each other, were announced as the Crows’ new AFLW Co-Captains on Tuesday.

Cramey, who played alongside Marinoff and Allan in the Crows’ 2017 and 2019 AFLW Premierships, said the captaincy reflected a natural step in the pairs’ footballing journey.

“It’s amazing and I am very proud of all the effort and hard work they’ve put into themselves, not only in terms of football, but the people they’ve become,” Cramey said.

“It’s been really nice to watch them grow and be a part of that, so I’m very proud they’ve now got the honour of representing this team leading into this season and they’re the best people for the job.”

Back in 2015, state teams were picked from scouts watching players line up in what was then known as the South Australian Women’s Amateur League.

Marinoff starred with Morphettville Park, while Allan was a standout with Salisbury.

“Sezzy moved down to Adelaide and played for Salisbury and Eb was with Morphy Park and how they performed there determined whether they were selected to trial for the State team,” Cramey said.

“For a number of years, I was able to be the runner and coach-mentor for the under-18 girls program and I can remember watching Sarah and Ebony play and you could see how talented they were.”

Cramey, Allan and Marinoff all formed part of the Crows’ inaugural side when the competition began in 2017.

And Cramey said their personalities shone through from the beginning, making them great teammates to have around the Club.

“Sezzy has always been a funny character, her quick wit is so fun to be around,” Cramey said.

“She’s always held really strong traits, with family meaning a lot to her, which is something I hold close, too, so it’s been great playing alongside her and coaching her.

“Eb has always just wanted to get the best out of herself and get better and I think she enjoys the process as much as she enjoys the rewards at the end.

“It’s always been great to see that come to fruition, in terms of her hard work.”

Marinoff and Allan’s paths could have gone a different way, with other sports also taking focus around that time, according to Cramey.

“I recall back then having conversations, particularly with Ebony, about choosing between different sports,” Cramey said.

“She was very passionate about surf lifesaving at the time and Sarah was just a well-rounded sports person as kids were at that time.

“There were conversations around the women’s competition happening sooner rather than later.

“Gil McLachlan pitched 2020 as the original year but then it was ultimately brought forward to 2017.”

Upon being appointed Co-Captain, Marinoff said she was honoured to share the responsibility.

“To be able to share the honour, the privilege, the pressure that will come with it, we’ll make a great partnership,” Marinoff, a triple Premiership player, dual Club Champion, six-time All-Australian and Crows’ games record holder, said.

“For me personally, leadership probably came a little bit later in my career and I’ve always just wanted to help others.

“I’ve just evolved into leadership with the people around me who have helped keep me grounded.”

Allan, also a three-time Premiership player and three-time All-Australian, said she was looking forward to the opportunity to lead the next generation.

“It’s an amazing honour and a privilege to not only be voted in by your peers but to be backed by this Club is an amazing feeling,” Allan said.

“To be able to do it alongside each other, we’re really excited.

“Chelsea has been an amazing role model and we’ll be able to learn from her and also from when she Co-Captained with Erin (Phillips).

“They brought the best out of each other and we hope to do the same as well.”

Adelaide’s 2024 AFLW campaign begins with a Showdown against Port Adelaide at Alberton Oval under lights on Saturday, August 31.