Crows premiership player Jessica Sedunary is stepping away from football in an attempt to fulfil her cycling ambitions.

The 30-year-old has been offered a place in Cycling Australia’s Olympic Fast Track Program, which is recruiting elite athletes from different sports and trying to have them win medals at the Paris Games in 2024.

Sedunary, who has played 21 AFLW games, returned to the Club this year after a season at St Kilda.

She was a member of Adelaide’s inaugural squad and part of the 2017 Grand Final winning team.

Crows Head of Women’s Football Phil Harper said the Club was supportive of Sedunary putting her football career on hold.

“Opportunities to represent your country are rare and only afforded to talented and dedicated athletes like Jess,” Harper said.

“She will need to fully commit to the cycling program for at least the next eight months so it makes sense that she focus solely on that.

“We really hope the transition is a success but if things don’t work out then we are sure there will be a place for her back in footy.”

Sedunary, who will be placed on the Club’s inactive list for the 2022 Season, is not the first Crow to transition to other elite sporting environments, with Jenna McCormick and Maisie Nankivell switching to soccer and netball respectively.

There will also be another change to the squad, with Renee Forth informed she will not be offered a contract for next year.

Recruited from GWS ahead of the 2019 Season, Forth was part of a premiership in her first year at the Crows, playing a crucial role in the midfield.

“This is always a difficult time of year because AFL rules demand changes be made to playing lists, while we must also carefully manage the evolution of our squad,” Harper said.

“Renee is a terrific person and we will always value and respect the contribution she has made. 

“She would ideally like to continue playing in the AFLW but if she is unable to find another club then we would love to have her involved in our program in some way.”