Crows AFLW defender Courtney Cramey has been busy adding to her already impressive football resume during the off-season.
The premiership player and All Australian has spent the past few months working with SANFL club Glenelg where she has been hitting the turf as a runner, covering up to 10kms per game.
Cramey, 31, has also spent time sitting in the League team’s coaches box, as she strives to further improve her football knowledge ahead of the AFLW’s second season.
“I decided to do something a bit different this winter and I’m really enjoying it,” Cramey said.
“I’m learning a lot from the coaching staff, the players and from (Head Coach) Matt Lokan. I’ve been spending a bit of time in the coaches box too and it’s been really valuable to just listen and get an even better understanding of the game.
“I’m out there at training two times a week as well as on match days and the running is certainly helping me to maintain my fitness in the AFLW off season.
“We know the competition is going to be even tougher next year so we’re continuously thinking about how we can improve.”
Glenelg Football Club’s football manager Paul Sandercock said it was great to have Cramey involved at the Club.
“Courtney’s extremely passionate about her football and she’s had a really positive impact on the group,” he said.
“She wants to learn and do whatever she can to improve her football.”
A lifelong Crows fan, Cramey has also been helping out with Willunga Football Club’s women’s team as well as keeping busy with her day job with the Department for Correctional Services.
“I decided to have a break from the Adelaide Women’s Footy League this season but I was keen to still be involved and contribute to women’s football so it’s been great to get out to one of the local Clubs that are just starting out and work with them. I also look forward to helping out with the Glenelg SANFL junior girls teams,” she said.
In September Cramey will also take part in the 12 kilometre City to Bay fun run for Team CanTeen with her dad Warwick, who has prostate cancer, to help raise awareness of the support that’s available for young people dealing with a parent’s cancer.