Adelaide’s AFLW players and coaches are playing an integral role in developing the next generation of South Australia’s female footballers through the Club’s newly-formed Girls High Performance Squad.

The squad consists of 35 talented girls aged 14-18 who have been invited to take part in a 7-week program to give them a taste of the demands and expectations of being an AFLW athlete.

Approximately one-third of the squad is eligible to be drafted for the 2018 AFLW season, including Jessica Allan – sister of Crows premiership player Sarah Allan.

Held at the Club’s headquarters at West Lakes, each session has a practical and educational component, with SANFLW Best and Fairest medallist Courtney Gum and Crows AFLW staff, players and coaches providing coaching and mentoring.

Captain Chelsea Randall and senior coach Bec Goddard have both been involved and said they were impressed with the group.

“The aim is to give the girls some insights into the rigors of the AFLW and hopefully make them better equipped and in the best position to be drafted by the Club over the next few years,” Goddard said.

“Through the program the girls get access to our high performance staff and cover off on topics such as nutrition, media and leadership as well as game preparation and skills development.

“We’ve been really impressed by the girls and I expect to see a number of them feature in the NAB AFL Women’s Draft in October.”