The sister of a current AFL player has signed as the first rookie for the new Crows women’s squad.
Jasmine Anderson, from Darwin, qualifies because she has not played football for three years, instead concentrating on soccer with Hellenic in the Northern Territory for the past three seasons.
But the 25-year-old sister of North Melbourne’s Jed Anderson and former Carlton defender Joe Anderson – now at North Adelaide – is excited about returning to football in a bid to play in the AFL women’s competition next year.
“It’s an amazing opportunity, I still can’t believe it,” said Anderson, who has represented NT in soccer.
She last played Australian Football for the Darwin Buffaloes in the 2013/14 NTFL Women’s Premier League.
Adelaide Football Club’s Head of Football David Noble said the Club was thrilled to have signed Anderson to the inaugural Crows women’s team.
“Jasmine is a hard-working and competitive sportswoman and we're excited to have her join our inaugural squad," Noble said.
"She plays in the midfield in soccer and has great endurance and speed.
"Our Club has always been prepared to give alternative talent a chance through the Category B rookie system and we are excited about Jasmine's prospects."
Crows Senior Coach Bec Goddard said Anderson had impressed at the AFL's National Female Talent Search in Darwin in July.
“Jasmine's endurance, agility and speed were on show at the AFL's talent search and we feel she will bring a lot to the Crows," she said.
It wasn’t until the day before the AFL's National Female Talent Search that Anderson decided to nominate.
Performing strongly in the physical testing, Anderson also caught the eye of selectors in the skills session.
One of eight children, Jasmine has five brothers and two sisters who are all involved in football.
The midfielder is the third member of her family to find herself on an AFL list. Her brother Joe played for the Carlton Football Club while younger brother Jed plays for North Melbourne after starting with Hawthorn.
Anderson’s younger sister Jacinta will represent the Northern Territory at the AFL National Female Diversity Championships later this month while her youngest brother J'nomei is a junior talent in the NTFL.
A mother to 15-month-old Isaac, Anderson is also studying at Charles Darwin University where she is undertaking a degree in teaching.
Anderson is the fifth woman signed by the Crows, joining Chelsea Randall, Kellie Gibson, Ange Foley and Courtney Cramey.
Most of the remaining squad members will be recruited through the AFL women’s draft in October but the Crows have room for one more rookie.
