Adelaide has signed experienced midfielder Renee Forth in the Club’s first-ever AFL Women’s trade.

The Crows signed Forth as part of a trade with Greater Western Sydney which saw Adelaide also receive pick No. 31 in return for pick No. 19.

The 31-year-old was one of Greater Western Sydney’s inaugural marquee players but was unable to take the field in the 2017 AFL Women’s season after suffering a knee injury in late 2016.

Forth worked closely with the GWS playing group as a development coach while completing her rehabilitation and played five games with the Giants in the second season of the competition.

The West Australian captained Fremantle in the 2016 women's AFL exhibition series. She also led the Coastal Titans in the WA Women's Football League where she was part of the Club’s 2012 and 2015 premiership sides. 

Forth is currently living in Darwin where she has been training and playing as part of the Northern Territory Thunder’s VFLW side.

Crows General Manager of Football Administration Phil Harper said the signing was a coup for the Club. 

“Renee is a talented inside midfielder who can also play forward or back. She works hard and uses the ball smartly,” Harper said. 

“She is a tremendous leader who has a lot to offer both on and off the field and we’re thrilled to have her join the Crows.”

Forth, who is an electrician outside of football, has played with Crows co-captain Chelsea Randall in WA and is an AFL Women’s Academy Coach alongside Erin Phillips.

“I am extremely excited to take on the third AFLW season with the Crows,” Forth said.

 “I’m grateful to the Giants for everything they have done. After relocating to Sydney from Perth, Giants staff, players and fans across the board in the men’s, women’s and netball program quickly became a huge support network and extended family for myself. 

“The decision to leave the Giants has not been made lightly, but I know it’s going to be best for my football going into season 2019.

“Moving to Darwin and playing for the Thunder means I get to play with some of my new Crows teammates before the AFLW season commences and I’m sure that will smooth out the transition stage.

“I’m looking forward to focusing on my footy at Thunder and getting back into some good form before I head down to Adelaide towards the end of the year.”