Five rounds in to the seven-round AFLW season, AFL Media takes a look at Adelaide’s most improved players.

To fit the criteria, players' 2019 form to date was compared to their 2018 output (or 2017 if they were not on an AFLW list last year), with consideration also given to how they have impacted their teams’ on-field performances. 

Adelaide: Anne Hatchard

Honourable mentions: Stevie-Lee Thompson, Marijana Rajcic

Hatchard's meteoric improvement this year was the impetus for this week’s Insight focus.

In 2018, the Crow played predominantly as a defender who could play forward in stints. She averaged eight disposals a match.

Pre-season, she trained hard, changed her diet dramatically and moved into the midfield, with her numbers and influence sky-rocketing.

The 20-year-old is now averaging 21 disposals and five clearances a game. Hatchard's improvement has eased pressure on teammate Ebony Marinoff – both in terms of reliance from the team and pressure from opponents – and contributed enormously to Adelaide's re-emergence as a contender.

The Crows are averaging 238 disposals and 26 clearances a match, up from 174 and 20 last year.