Two-time Premiership Crow Deni Varnhagen has announced her AFLW retirement.

A member of the Crows’ inaugural AFLW squad, the 32-year-old played 38 games across seven seasons, including premierships in 2017 and 2019.

The utility won the Club’s Best Defensive Player award in 2019 after a career-best season, where she averaged 11 disposals, 2.1 tackles and kicked four goals.

“I’m really honoured to have been a part of the AFLW from the inaugural season and proud to have been a one club player, ” Varnhagen said.

“I will cherish the memories of our first two premierships forever, in particular when we had 53,000 fans at Adelaide Oval in 2019, it was a historic day for women’s sport and it still gives me goosebumps when I look back.

“I’d like to thank my parents and my fiancé Jarrad for their support, especially my parents for supporting my sporting career my whole life, I wouldn’t be where I am without them.”

Varnhagen spent two years on the inactive list in which time she welcomed her daughter Hali and returned to football where she played a further seven games across two seasons.

“I’ve loved my time at the Adelaide Crows and to return after having my daughter Hali and have her become part of the Club was great, she loves coming in and seeing all the girls, so it was really special to have her be a part of the end of my journey.

“As much as I wish I was 23 and had another 10 years ahead of me, it’s time to focus on my family and we’re really excited for what’s to come.”

Adelaide Head of Women’s Football Phil Harper congratulated Varnhagen on a fantastic career.

“We would like to thank Deni for the significant contribution she has made to our women’s program,” Harper said.

“As an inaugural member of our squad and a two-time premiership player, she should be very proud of what she has achieved.

“Impressively she was able to return to elite sport after having a baby and we will miss seeing her daughter Hali and partner Jarrad around the Club as often, but we know we’ll still see her around the place soon.

“We wish Deni and her family all the best for the future.”