Five players have joined the Crows AFLW leadership group that will support co-captains Chelsea Randall and Erin Phillips in the 2020 season.
Last year’s joint vice-captains Courtney Cramey and Angela Foley have been retained in the group, while three new faces joined the ranks.
Ruck Jessica Foley and defenders Marijana Rajcic and Sarah Allan were also selected via a player voted process.
Crows AFLW coach Matthew Clarke said the breakdown of votes was particularly unique.
“I have done the same process many times throughout 15 years in football and usually there is a more distinct break between the top vote-getters and the remainder of the team,” Clarke said.
“It’s a real positive that we have five players all nominated closely within a couple of votes of each other, so we’ve decided to go for an expanded group and we’re comfortable with that.
“Four of them are quite experienced and that maturity has been recognised by their peers and will hold them in good stead.
“It’s great to see Sarah Allan also be recognised for her quiet, controlled and calming influence on the group, which we see on game day down back.
“We have a good mix of experience, calm and energy in the five and they will all help support Erin and Chelsea.”
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Allan said she was extremely honoured to have been chosen by her peers.
“I have put in work over the past few seasons to develop as a player and person to ensure I am leading by example on and off the field for my teammates,” Allan said.
“I think the five of us are very diverse and will each bring a good mix of different leadership qualities to the group.”
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Cramey said she was excited to see the new faces in the group who will help to support Randall and Phillips.
“It’s a privilege to be recognised as a leader amongst an amazing group of women,” Cramey said.
“We have a number of emerging leaders in our group which will ensure there will be support from all areas of the field and we are really excited for the season ahead.”
Adelaide’s AFLW season will get underway in Queensland against the Brisbane Lions on Saturday, February 8, before their first home game at Richmond Oval on Sunday, February 16.
