SEASON GUIDE AFC.COM.AU
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ADELAIDE CROWS 2020 WOMEN’S TEAM SEASON GUIDE
CONTENTS Chairman’s Note Coach’s Welcome
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AFLW Leaders Announced
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Draft Wrap
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Player Profiles
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Team Photo
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Open Letter: Chelsea Randall opens up about her ACL injury
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The phone call that pulled Courtney Gum out of retirement
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Crows star Erin Phillips on her AFLW comeback
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Anne Hatchard’s incredible transformation
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Fixture 22 Corporate Partners
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CHAIRMAN’S NOTE
The Adelaide Football Club heads into the season with high expectations and confidence that our AFLW program has a strong foundation which will serve us well now and into the future.
As we head into the fourth AFLW season, our high performance program continues to evolve and improve under the guidance of General Manager of Football Administration Phil Harper and Senior Coach Matthew Clarke, and we have been able to retain our core group of players from last season plus add some exciting new talent.
The Club is also extremely grateful to have major partners Workskil and BHP, as well as the ongoing support of the SA Government which recently extended its commitment. I would also like to extend a sincere thank you to each and every one of our AFLW corporate partners, as our recent on and off field success would not have been possible without their support!
We have always considered it a privilege to be an inaugural member of the competition and while winning premierships is the priority, so too is the need to contribute to the growth of the women’s game.
In coming months, our partnership with Williamstown Football Club will pay dividends with several of our players set to line up in the VFLW during the off-season and continue to develop with regular games in a strong competition.
It is an exciting time of year with the season fast approaching and I look forward to seeing you all at the footy. We Fly As One!
Participation levels have grown dramatically in South Australia in recent years and support for our women’s team has never been stronger, whether it be the number of fans taking up memberships or support from the corporate world through to widespread media coverage.
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We appreciate the loyal support from our passionate fans who for the first time will get the chance to see us play at our new home ground, Richmond Oval. The team will feature three times at the venue, before our final home game is played at Unley Oval.
Rob Chapman Chairman
ADELAIDE CROWS 2020 WOMEN’S TEAM SEASON GUIDE
COACH’S WELCOME A new year and a new challenge – welcome to AFLW Season Four. Twelve months ago, I was fortunate enough to join a new family: the amazing group of women and men who make up our AFLW team. Over the past year, I have witnessed first-hand their enormous commitment and outstanding care. These two attributes underpin everything that this team has been able to achieve in its short history, and they have achieved a lot. Last season, the players added a second premiership to the inaugural title captured in 2017. In doing so, they have extended the influence they are having on the next generation of female footballers and drawn a wider audience to the game. Their accomplishments have received high praise and are a source of great pride for our Club, but it’s the care they show for everyone they interact with which sets them apart most. To be able to share in this is a great privilege. One of the things I love about sport is the glorious uncertainty, there is no script – we truly don’t know what lies ahead. This is particularly true of AFLW where the competition is undergoing such rapid development.
In Season Four, we welcome four new teams to the competition each with their own aspirations to make a mark on the game. Within our team we welcome eight new players, excitingly all of these players have developed their games locally in the SANFLW competition. This is a demonstration of the pathway we are striving to help create for talented athletes and we look forward to the contribution they will make to our team. From inception, our team has received outstanding support from our Club’s members, supporters and corporate partners. We do not take that support lightly and are truly grateful. The noise and energy at our home games is a source of competitive advantage which we gladly accept. We will strive to represent you in a way that makes everyone associated with our Club proud. Instinctive, attacking and fiercely competitive is the type of footy which is most fun to play and that draws people to our great game. This will be our intent whenever we play, and I have great confidence we can deliver on this aspiration. We don’t know what lies ahead, but we are excited by the possibilities and we look forward to sharing the ride with you. Go Crows – We Fly As One.
Matthew Clarke Senior Women’s Coach
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AFLW LEADERS ANNOUNCED
For the fourth consecutive year Adelaide’s AFLW team will have co-captains, with Chelsea Randall and Erin Phillips once again appointed to lead the side in 2020. The decision was made by AFLW Senior Coach Matthew Clarke in consultation with the coaching group and team leaders and was ratified by the Adelaide Football Club Board. It will be a different style of leadership for the pair in 2020, with Randall missing the season after tearing her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) during the side’s first pre-season training. The timing of Phillips’ return to the field is yet to be confirmed while she continues her rehabilitation from the ACL injury she sustained in the 2019 AFLW Grand Final.
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Randall and Phillips will be supported by a five-person leadership group.
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. Clarke said while the co-captains would provide terrific support off the field, their absence out on the ground created an opportunity for others to step up. “The decision that the group would be best served by retaining the cocaptains was made on exposed form, three years of outstanding leadership and the fact that Chelsea and Erin are the natural leaders of this group,” Clarke said.
“It’s also a real positive that we have five players all nominated closely within a couple of votes of each other for the expanded leadership group. “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 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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ADELAIDE CROWS 2020 WOMEN’S TEAM SEASON GUIDE
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DRAFT WRAP Adelaide finalised its 2020 AFLW playing list in last October’s AFLW draft, selecting eight players who have played in the SANFLW competition. The Crows called talented ruck and two-time Under-18 All-Australian Montana McKinnon with their first-round selection. Despite only being 18 years of age, McKinnon joined the Crows with a long list of football accolades. She was named the Most Valuable Player of the Central Allies at the 2019 National Championships and became a dual SANFLW premiership player after back-to-back wins with South Adelaide in 2018 and 2019. With its second pick, Adelaide selected reigning 2019 SANFLW best and fairest, Najwa Allen. The 25-year-old also won the 2019 SANFLW Coaches Trophy in her first season of football in South Australia, having moved from Canberra. With pick No. 46, Adelaide chose line-breaking half-back Nicole Campbell. A key pillar of South Adelaide’s 2019 premiership side, the 25-year-old was also named in the SANFLW Team of the Year. Jaimi Tabb (No. 53) and Caitlin Gould (No. 68) were next to join the list.
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ADELAIDE CROWS 2020 WOMEN’S TEAM SEASON GUIDE
CROWS REWARD LOCAL TALENT IN DRAFT
Tabb, a powerful midfielder, has represented South Australia and the Allies for the past two seasons and was the leading tackler at the 2019 AFLW Under-18 Championships.
The key forward finished second in the 2019 SANFLW goalkicking despite missing games with injury, after being named in the 2018 SANFLW Team of the Year.
“We want to continue to improve as a group and we believe these eight players will bring the attitude and work ethic required to help us do that.”
In only her second year of football, versatile tall Gould was named in the SANFLW Team of the Year for 2019, having finished second in the league for hit-outs.
Crows General Manager of Football Administration Phil Harper said the Club was excited by its haul of draftees, with all of them being outstanding individuals.
The Crows had eight picks in the 2019 draft after Martin (knee) and Maisie Nankivell (netball) were placed on the inactive list.
After returning to her home state of South Australia with her family last year, former GWS GIANT Courtney Gum decided to come out of retirement, allowing Adelaide to select her with pick No. 83.
“We’re rapt to bring eight quality players and, more importantly, quality people into our group,” Harper said.
Gum was named the 2018 AFL Players Association’s MVP in her debut AFLW season and will provide the Crows with invaluable experience in 2020. A rebounding defender with a penetrating kick was the next addition to the Crows’ list, with Madison Newman being picked at No. 100. Newman earned All-Australian honours during the AFLW Under-18 Championships while also being named in the SANFLW Team of the Year.
“It’s great recognition of the increasing standard of women’s football and development pathways in South Australia that we were able to select eight players from the SANFL Women’s competition. “With Erin Phillips, Chloe Scheer and Rhiannon Metcalfe recovering from knee injuries and Chelsea Randall and Hannah Martin (ACLs) unfortunately ruled out for the season, we thought it was important to balance our list with some exciting mature-age talent, alongside some promising juniors.
CROWS AFLW 2020 DRAFTEES Pick No.14 – Montana McKinnon Pick No.37 – Najwa Allen Pick No.46 – Nicole Campbell Pick No.53 – Jaimi Tabb Pick No.68 – Caitlin Gould Pick No.83 – Courtney Gum Pick No.100 – Madison Newman Pick No.102 – Chelsea Biddell
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Adelaide’s final selection was 21-yearold Chelsea Biddell.
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PLAYER PROFILES 26
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CHELSEA RANDALL
ERIN PHILLIPS
CAITLIN GOULD
HEIGHT: 173cm
HEIGHT: 173cm
HEIGHT: 181cm
D.O.B: 14.06.91
D.O.B: 19.05.85
D.O.B: 19.07.99
DEBUT: Rd 1, 2017
DEBUT: Rd 1, 2017
RECRUITED FROM: Glenelg (SA)
RECRUITED FROM: Swan Districts (WA)
RECRUITED FROM: WNBA (Basketball)
The ever-consistent Randall impressed once again in 2019 as she averaged 15 disposals per game and elevated her efficiency to 72 per cent. The dual-premiership captain was rewarded with her third-consecutive All-Australian selection, named vice-captain to teammate Erin Phillips. She was also recognised by her peers and voted the AFLW Players’ Most Courageous player once again. Sadly, Randall tore her ACL last November and will miss the 2020 on-field campaign. Instead, her influence will come from taking on an assistant coaching role in the midfield line.
The co-captain set the League standard once again in 2019, collecting her second AFLW best and fairest with an incredible 19 of a possible 21 votes after being named best on ground in her second premiership win. Phillips averaged a career-high 21.4 disposals per game and kicked a careerbest 11 goals. She also claimed Adelaide’s Club Champion award and was named captain of the All-Australian side. Continuing her rehabilitation, Phillips is doing everything she can to return this season.
Gould was named in the 2019 Team of the Year in her debut SANFL Women’s season and only her second year of football. The former volleyballer led the ruck for Glenelg, displaying strong athleticism and finishing second in the League for hit-outs. The highlight of Gould’s game is her aggression and follow-up work, finishing the leading clearance player in the SANFLW. A raw and versatile tall, Gould also played key-position in the SANFL Women’s exhibition game series between Adelaide and Port Adelaide.
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COURTNEY GUM
NIKKI GORE
NAJWA ALLEN
HEIGHT: 170cm
HEIGHT: 164cm
HEIGHT: 177cm
D.O.B: 25.09.81
D.O.B: 11.12.00
D.O.B: 25.06.94
DEBUT: Rd 1, 2018
DEBUT: Rd 6, 2019
RECRUITED FROM: GWS Giants (NSW)/ South Adelaide/Adelaide University (SA)
RECRUITED FROM: South Adelaide/ Christies Beach (SA)
RECRUITED FROM: Norwood (SA)/ Eastlake (ACT)
The most experienced among Adelaide’s 2019 draftees, Gum was named All-Australian and won the AFL Players Association’s MVP in her debut AFLW season with GWS in 2018. The decorated midfielder capped off a successful year by winning a SANFLW premiership with South Adelaide in 2018. After her second season with the Giants in 2019, Gum retired from AFLW to move back to Adelaide, but decided to give the League another shot in 2020 after receiving a call from Crows coach Matthew Clarke.
The last two years have been filled with success for Gore, with the 19-year-old making her AFLW debut in 2019 while helping South Adelaide claim back-to-back SANFLW premierships. Gore finished with 48 tackles in seven SANFLW games during 2019 and averaged 18 disposals. The rising talent is looking to add more top level experience to her resumé in 2020.
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DENOTES 2020 DRAFTEES
Allen won the 2019 SANFL Women’s best and fairest award in her first season in the League after relocating from Canberra. The hard-running Norwood midfielder led the competition for disposals, and finished top 10 for marks, clearances and inside-50s. She was also recognised with the 2019 SANFL Women’s Coaches Trophy, as well as a place in the Team of the Year. A former soccer player, Allen took up Australian Football four years ago. She was named best on ground in Eastlake’s 2018 Canberra Grand Final win over Queanbeyan.
ADELAIDE CROWS 2020 WOMEN’S TEAM SEASON GUIDE
PLAYER PROFILES 2
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ELOISE JONES
ANGELA FOLEY
CHLOE SCHEER
HEIGHT: 173cm
HEIGHT: 173cm
HEIGHT: 165cm
D.O.B: 28.04.99
D.O.B: 13.12.88
D.O.B: 07.10.99
DEBUT: Rd 1, 2018
DEBUT: Rd 1, 2017
DEBUT: Rd 1, 2019
RECRUITED FROM: Morphettville Park, Glenelg (SA)
RECRUITED FROM: Waratah (NT)
RECRUITED FROM: North Adelaide/ Modbury (SA)
Jones showed confidence in her second AFLW season, booting nine goals and averaging four tackles per game. The former basketballer made the most of her athleticism and was a strong marking option. After kicking a goal in each of the finals matches, Jones won her first AFLW premiership. The 20-year-old also received an All-Australian nomination.
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Foley made the move from Darwin to Adelaide for the 2019 AFLW season, bringing her strong form with her to average 12 disposals per game. Foley had a season-high 17 touches against Geelong in the 66-point Preliminary Final win. The joint vice-captain was a leading example on and off the field as she claimed her second premiership in three seasons.
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Scheer made her AFLW debut in Round 1, 2019 and held her spot throughout the season, only missing one game through suspension. The talented youngster averaged 10 disposals and one goal per game and was nominated for the Rising Star award in Round Five. She capped off an exciting start to her AFLW career with a maiden premiership. Despite suffering an ACL tear in the grand final, she is on track to play in 2020.
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DENI VARNHAGEN
EBONY MARINOFF
RHIANNON METCALFE
HEIGHT: 173cm
HEIGHT: 169cm
HEIGHT: 185cm
D.O.B: 26.10.92
D.O.B: 15.11.97
D.O.B: 27.09.91
DEBUT: Rd 1, 2017
DEBUT: Rd 1, 2017
DEBUT: Rd 1, 2017
RECRUITED FROM: Morphettville Park (SA)
RECRUITED FROM: Morphettville Park (SA)
RECRUITED FROM: Gungahlin Jets (ACT)
Varnhagen played every game in another premiership season as the midfielder’s fitness and pace again provided crucial speed around contests. She recorded career-high tallies for disposals, clearances and tackles, playing all nine games as a key part of Adelaide’s ball movement chain. She was also named the Crows’ best defensive player in 2019.
Marinoff pieced together a career-best season in 2019, winning her second AFLW premiership and being named in the All-Australian team for the second time. In Round Three, she broke the league record for most disposals in a game with 33, and averaged 23 for the season. Marinoff finished equal-fourth in the AFLW best and fairest count and equal-third in Adelaide’s best and fairest.
Metcalfe was forced to miss the 2019 season after tearing her ACL in a pre-season trial game against Fremantle. After a consistent first two seasons, the ruck missed out on adding a second premiership to her tally, but will be raring to go for season 2020.
DENOTES 2020 DRAFTEES
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PLAYER PROFILES 12
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CHELSEA BIDDELL
STEVIE-LEE THOMPSON
DANIELLE PONTER
HEIGHT: 178cm
HEIGHT: 169cm
HEIGHT: 171cm
D.O.B: 15.07.98
D.O.B: 23.02.92
D.O.B: 08.01.00
RECRUITED FROM: West Adelaide (SA)
DEBUT: Rd 1, 2017
DEBUT: Rd 2, 2019
RECRUITED FROM: Wanderers (NT)
RECRUITED FROM: Essendon VFLW/St Mary’s (NT)
A key forward with a booming kick and strong mark, Biddell finished second in the SANFLW goalkicking for 2019 despite being limited to eight games through injury. She also had a strong year in 2018, being named in the SANFLW Team of the Year and finishing second in West Adelaide’s best and fairest. A former basketballer, Biddell comes with good agility and power to go with her strong goal sense.
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A former defender, Thompson starred in her new role as a forward in 2019. She kicke a league-high 14 goals in nine games, including a bag of four goals against Carlton in Round Two. The success earned Thompson her first All-Australian selection and she was named Leading Goalkicker for both Adelaide and the League. She also became a dual-premiership player.
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A classy ball winner, Ponter successfully made the transition from the AFLW Under-18 tournaments to her first senior AFLW season in 2019. One of the most efficient ball users, she kicked 13 goals in eight games, including three in the grand final victory over Carlton. After receiving a Rising Star nomination in Round Four, Ponter won her first AFLW premiership.
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SOPHIE LI
NICOLE CAMPBELL
MONTANA MCKINNON
HEIGHT: 165cm
HEIGHT: 170cm
HEIGHT: 183cm
D.O.B: 31.03.88
D.O.B: 20.01.94
D.O.B: 17.07.01
DEBUT: Rd 1, 2018
RECRUITED FROM: South Adelaide (SA)
RECRUITED FROM: South Adelaide (SA)
RECRUITED FROM: Carlton (VIC)
Campbell is a line-breaking half-back who can also play in the midfield. The left-footer was part of South Adelaide’s 2019 SANFLW premiership side after moving from Norwood in the off-season. She was also selected in the SANFLW Team of the Year after finishing top 10 in the competition for disposals and inside-50s. A former soccer player, Campbell has genuine speed and power, and loves to take the game on.
A standout junior ruck prospect and Adelaide’s first pick in the 2019 AFLW draft, McKinnon was a two-time All-Australian at U18 level and captained the Central Allies at the 2019 NAB AFLW U18 Championships. She was named the MVP for the Central Allies at the nationals. McKinnon is also a dualpremiership player with South Adelaide and was named starting ruck in the 2019 SANFL Women’s Team of the Year.
A South Australian local, Li was a first-choice player for the Crows in 2019 after she returned home from Carlton to recommence her work as a paramedic. It was a fruitful decision for the consistent midfielder as she played nine games and won her first AFLW premiership, coincidentally in a grand final against her former team.
DENOTES 2020 DRAFTEES
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ADELAIDE CROWS 2020 WOMEN’S TEAM SEASON GUIDE
PLAYER PROFILES 16
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AILISH CONSIDINE
MADISON NEWMAN
RUTH WALLACE
HEIGHT: 165cm
HEIGHT: 170cm
HEIGHT: 170cm
D.O.B: 09.07.92
D.O.B: 10.05.01
D.O.B: 01.02.93
DEBUT: Rd 1, 2019
RECRUITED FROM: West Adelaide (SA)
DEBUT: Rd 1, 2018
RECRUITED FROM: Gaelic Football, Ireland
Newman earned All-Australian honours after an excellent display for South Australia and the Central Allies across the 2019 NAB AFLW U18 Championships. A rebounding defender with a penetrating kick, Newman ranked No.2 in the competition for rebound-50s. She was recognised with a selection in the SANFLW Team of the Year. Newman also kicked four goals in the SANFLW exhibition game between Adelaide and Port Adelaide in July. She is a member of the Crows Women’s Academy.
RECRUITED FROM: Norwood (SA)
Hailing from Ireland, Considine was Adelaide’s first international women’s recruit and she made a strong start to her AFLW career in 2019. A talented Gaelic footballer with Clare and Kilmihil in Ireland’s mid-west region, Considine’s skills saw her transition into Adelaide’s best team. She kicked four goals from eight games, booting one major in her maiden premiership victory.
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The dangerous forward kicked seven goals in her first season in 2018, sharing the Club’s goalkicking title with Erin Phillips and finishing eighth in the best and fairest. Wallace previously played soccer for Adelaide United and the Junior Matildas. Despite being listed, Wallace won’t play in 2020 after she stepped away from football for personal reasons.
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COURTNEY CRAMEY
JUSTINE MULES
JESSICA FOLEY
HEIGHT: 169cm
HEIGHT: 162cm
HEIGHT: 183cm
D.O.B: 28.11.85
D.O.B: 15.12.94
D.O.B: 20.04.83
DEBUT: Rd 1, 2017
DEBUT: Rd 1, 2017
DEBUT: Rd 1, 2019
RECRUITED FROM: Morphettville Park (SA)
RECRUITED FROM: Morphettville Park (SA)
RECRUITED FROM: Sturt/Fitzroy (SA)
Coming off an injury-interrupted season, Cramey averaged a career-high 12 disposals and 3.6 tackles per game. The joint vicecaptain became a two-time premiership player and spent more time up forward in 2019, kicking a miraculous goal from the pocket in Round Seven. During the off-season, Cramey became the first female representative on Adelaide’s Past Players and Officials Board.
It was another year of improvement for Mules who averaged 10.6 disposals per game, a career-high number. She played all nine games for the Crows, across the wing. The two-time premiership player was rewarded for her consistent season by finishing top five in the side’s best and fairest count.
Foley shined in her first AFLW season, thriving off a last-minute positional switch. Playing as the lone ruck after Rhi Metcalfe was ruled out with injury, she averaged 20 hit-outs and 15 disposals per game. The former Australian basketballer played all nine games for the Crows and collected 18 touches and 27 hit-outs in the grand final. Foley finished runner-up to Phillips in the Club best and fairest and earned an All-Australian nomination.
DENOTES 2020 DRAFTEES
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PLAYER PROFILES 27
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RENEE FORTH
JAIMI TABB
DAYNA COX
HEIGHT: 166cm
HEIGHT: 168cm
HEIGHT: 163cm
D.O.B: 28.01.87
D.O.B: 02.09.01
D.O.B: 12.08.93
DEBUT: Rd 1, 2018
RECRUITED FROM: Woodville-West Torrens (SA)
DEBUT: Rd 1, 2017
RECRUITED FROM: GWS Giants (NSW) After a challenging first two years in the AFLW competition at the GWS Giants, Forth found her feet at Adelaide in 2019, playing all nine games. The inside midfielder provided valuable experience, increased her disposal average to 9.4 at the Crows and was rewarded with her first AFLW premiership.
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A powerful and aggressive midfielder, Tabb has represented South Australia and the Allies for the past two seasons and is a graduate of the AFLW Academy. Tabb was the leading tackler at the NAB 2019 AFLW U18 Championships, averaging eight per game. After moving to Woodville-West Torrens from West Adelaide in the off-season, Tabb was named in the SANFL Women’s Team of the Year. She is also a member of the Crows Academy.
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RECRUITED FROM: Morphettville Park (SA) Cox, a hard-nosed small defender, played nine games and provided the Crows with a competitive edge across half-back. In 2019 she put her body on the line and had a keen eye for tackling all season. Cox won her second AFLW premiership with Adelaide.
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MARIJANA RAJCIC
ANNE HATCHARD
SARAH ALLAN
HEIGHT: 175cm
HEIGHT: 175cm
HEIGHT: 178cm
D.O.B: 15.03.89
D.O.B: 07.03.98
D.O.B: 19.11.97
DEBUT: Rd 3, 2018
DEBUT: Rd 1, 2017
DEBUT: Rd 1, 2017
RECRUITED FROM: W-League (Soccer)
RECRUITED FROM: Morphettville Park (SA)
RECRUITED FROM: Salisbury (SA)
The versatile Rajcic showed confidence in her second AFLW season, providing speed and strength across half-back. Rajcic had a consistent season in defence and finished in the top 10 of Adelaide’s Club Champion count. She played all nine games on her way to winning her first AFLW premiership.
Hatchard had an outstanding year in the midfield, taking her game to the next level on her way to a second premiership. She averaged 19 disposals and 3.7 tackles per game, and placing second in the best on ground voting in the grand final. Hatchard earned her first All-Australian selection and finished equal-third in Adelaide’s best and fairest.
Allan backed up a breakout 2018 season with a consistent 2019 campaign in the backline. She appeared in all nine of Adelaide’s games, collecting a personal season-high 15 touches and three tackles in the grand final. The defender earned a second All-Australian nomination and played in her second premiership in three years.
DENOTES 2020 DRAFTEES
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ADELAIDE CROWS 2020 WOMEN’S TEAM SEASON GUIDE
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OPEN LETTER
CHELSEA RANDALL OPENS UP ABOUT HER ACL INJURY Chelsea Randall’s 2020 AFLW campaign came to an end as quickly as it started, as she tore her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) at the first training session of the season. In the days that followed, the AFLW co-captain penned a letter to Crows fans about her devastating injury, the support she received and what comes next.
The moment Only forty-five minutes into our 2020 preseason, and we were doing one of my favourite drills. I had just given Anne Hatchard a cheeky little fend off, full of smiles and enjoying my footy. And then an unfortunate change of direction led me to buckle under my knee. I remember trying to get up immediately, but I just couldn’t. The pain was there, but I was hopeful it wouldn’t be an ACL. I eventually got myself up and walked off the field. I just wanted to make sure everyone else was alright and didn’t want to worry them. I just gave everyone a high five and a thumbs up as they walked past me after the session finished. The next day I had a scan and received the results. It was a bit of a shock to the system because I had been so positive thinking that it was just an MCL or something. It took me some time to process it. I decided I needed to let people know that it had happened because I didn’t want it to come from another person or another source.
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Erin was one of the first that I told. She was really supportive and wanted to make sure that I was alright. She’s an absolute champion and she’s looking really good, hopefully she can make it out onto the field for both of us this year.
The response When I posted on socials, the influx of messages that came through was so overwhelming. Hearing from people who you haven’t spoken to in ages or that you wouldn’t think to hear from and hearing other people’s journeys. Lots of athletes, both men and women, have been through a similar injury and that gives me really high hopes that I’ll be able to return just like them back to the field - bigger, better, stronger. AFLW has such a strong, supportive community, even with opposition players, coaches and supporters. All my teammates and all our supporters have been really amazing and I can’t thank them enough for their support and for reaching out to me with positive messages. It’s really lovely to hear that I have been in people’s thoughts. Seeing that photo of me on the monitor at the draft was a really nice gesture. I sent Hamish an email, just to thank him for his thoughts. It just shows how special our football club is. One club. It’s not just about the boys team, the girls team, or our SANFL, it’s about everyone coming together. That’s what I love about our Club.
What’s next There is a bit of research that suggests having a few weeks of prehab prior to surgery is beneficial in the long run. So I’m going to take advantage of that and aim to have surgery before Christmas. (Randall underwent surgery on December 20). As for the team, I’m still having conversations with Doc (Clarke) about what my role might look like for me. My main focus is to get my rehab right and support my teammates where possible. And if that’s in a coaching role or just assisting others where I can - I just want to make sure I still play an important role for the girls in the near future. I’ve got some great support with players who have done an ACL previously or currently going through the rehab process. So no doubt we will lean on each other during the challenging times. No matter what, I’ll have my dog Koda by my side - after all, she knows a thing or two about ACL injuries. She’s done two - her first was two or three years ago and she had surgery. And then this time last year she did her other knee. I know there’s a bit of a journey ahead of me and truly believe things happen for a reason. But honestly I can’t thank the club and everyone enough for their support. 2021 here I come.
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Randall’s new role in 2020
ADELAIDE CROWS 2020 WOMEN’S TEAM SEASON GUIDE
THE PHONE CALL THAT PULLED
COURTNEY GUM OUT OF RETIREMENT When Courtney Gum called time on her AFLW career back in April, she meant it. After two seasons with the GWS GIANTS, the 38-year-old retired at the close of the 2019 season and returned to her home state of South Australia. So when Crows coach Matthew Clarke called her out of the blue, asking questions about her future, it took her completely by surprise. “I was very much retired, so when randomly, Matt called me and asked how retired I actually was, my answer was ‘pretty retired’,” Gum told AFC Media. “But I’ve learnt over the years to be open to opportunities, so I didn’t want to put it aside there and then. “I said I was open to conversations to see where it goes, and it went from there.” After all, he had an offer she simply couldn’t refuse. “I really wanted to have a crack at home - growing up in Adelaide I was a Crows fan, my grandparents were mad Crows fans,” Gum said. “I’ve got some really good friends in the Crows team too - it’ll be great to play with them again, the likes of Hatchy (Anne Hatchard) and Sophie Li.” Having the opportunity to play in front of a home crowd, with her partner Krissie and son Buz by her side, was another draw card for joining the Club. “Buz has been exposed to so many environments - at the community level and at the elite level - and he really loves it,” Gum said. “It’s great for Buz to see a female doing what they love and forging opportunities and making the most of them.
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“They’re great life skills for him to be exposed to.” Outside of football, Gum works as a physiotherapist - an area of expertise that has given her the tools to keep her body strong over the years. “It’s been fantastic actually because I know how to manage loads and manage injuries myself,” Gum said. “Particularly as an older body you’re just not as resilient anymore and you do get injuries. “I know when things are just a little niggle and about loading, and when to flag other things.” Looking to 2020 and what she described as “almost certainly” her last year of AFLW, Gum had her sights set on the “ultimate goal”. “My main goal as an individual would be to prep my body really well and play at the highest level I can,” Gum said. “As a team, the Crows have two premierships and I don’t have any, so if you can take out a premiership as a really united team, that’s the ultimate goal.”
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CROWS STAR ERIN PHILLIPS
ON HER AFLW COMEBACK
2019 was full of big moments for Erin Phillips - moments of pure joy and devastating heartbreak. The Crows superstar cemented her place in AFLW history when she became a dual premiership captain and dual League best and fairest... but the year was not without its challenges.
The injury En route to her second best on ground in a grand final award, the Crows co-captain silenced the 53,000 plus crowd when she went down clutching her left knee. “It was just an unfortunate change of direction, I tried to chase my opponent and overstepped,” Phillips told AFC Media. “As soon as I turned, I heard this horrific crack and pop and basically went straight down in pain. “I knew exactly what I’d done. “It was obviously quite painful, but being it was a grand final, I was just shattered because I knew there was probably no chance of getting back on the field.” Reflecting in the days that followed, Phillips was overwhelmed by the support she received from her teammates, opposition and fans.
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“At the time, I didn’t really take it all in - I was still in devastation mode, but it was really nice to have my teammates and the opposition team support me,” Phillips said.
A younger brother to twins Brooklyn and Blake, Drew became a welcome focus for the now mother of three.
“It’s something I rewatched and (I) was really appreciative - it was a special moment out of something pretty terrible.”
“It was awesome to balance out the girl count in our family, Blake was pretty happy to have another boy in the family.
Returning to the US
“People say if you have twins, you can have anything, so it’s actually been so much easier having one (baby) than two.
In the weeks that followed, she underwent reconstructive surgery, before hopping on a 20-hour flight to her second home in Texas. As she returned to her coaching position at the Dallas Wings in the WNBA, she struggled with the restrictions that came with her injury. “I don’t recommend flying with an ACL…,” Phillips said with a laugh. “It was actually really tough, I’m the type of coach that is very active, so for me, it was really difficult. “The Dallas Wings were great at supporting me through it and making sure I was taking care of myself as much as possible and being the best coach I can be.”
Meeting Drew In the middle of her rehabilitation, on the final day of July, Phillips and wife Tracy welcomed their third child into the world - Drew Chayce Phillips.
“It was a great distraction from having to go through an ACL,” Phillips said.
“He’s actually been a really good baby... he probably knew that mum’s going through some rehab so takes it easy on me.”
The return For Phillips, the goal has always been to make it back for the 2020 season, but Round One is no certainty. “I’m obviously planning to try to get back for Round One, but unfortunately I can’t predict the future,” Phillips said. “But I’m doing everything I can (and) I’m feeling really good, things have been really positive since I’ve been back and the training I’ve been doing. “If I get the all clear, I’ll be there (Round One)”
WATCH:
Erin’s road to recovery
ADELAIDE CROWS 2020 WOMEN’S TEAM SEASON GUIDE
ANNE HATCHARD’S
INCREDIBLE
TRANSFORMATION Unaware of just how much her diet was impacting her output on field, it took until the end of season two for Hatchard to make a drastic change. “I thought I felt alright, because that was what I was used to eating and how I was used to feeling out on the field,” Hatchard said.
At 21 years of age, Anne Hatchard is in the best shape of her life, but the journey hasn’t always been easy for the young Crow. When she first arrived at West Lakes for the inaugural AFLW season in 2017, she struggled to adapt to an elite sporting environment. A self-confessed lover all things fast food, conquering her new meal plans was no easy feat. “Back in 2017, I was quite big, my diet wasn’t great, I ate KFC often,” Hatchard told AFC Media. “I struggled to do a warm up lap without being puffed. “I didn’t eat salads, when we’d all go out for a meal, I’d get the schnitty and chips and just leave the salad on the plate.”
“But I definitely struggled to find form in the first two seasons and thought I was on the verge of not getting another contract. “After season two, I improved my diet and started doing a lot more exercise.” The hard work paid dividends for Hatchard - in her third season with the Crows she averaged a career-best of 18.9 disposals, compared to 7.5 in 2018. She finished the year with her first selection in the All-Australian side and a podium finish in Adelaide’s best and fairest. “Now that I’ve stopped eating like that, I’ve realised how much impact it does have on my performance on the field,” Hatchard said. “I have so much more energy and can run out a whole game now.
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“You don’t see results straight away and it’s really tough to stick to it, but once I started seeing the results, it pushed me to keep going. “Coming back into pre-season for season three, some of the girls couldn’t really recognise me.” So, how did she do it? Smaller portions, natural foods and cutting out unhealthy snacks. A testament to her dedication, the former KFC lover has even cut all meat from her diet. “I’ve cut out all the crap, I try to only eat natural foods, nothing artificial,” Hatchard said. “In my off-season, I would also get at least 45 minutes of exercise a day of cross-training, plus three or four weights sessions a week. “I’ve cut down a bit now that we’re back training, but I still do a few extra weight sessions and maybe one or two cross-training sessions as well.”
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AFLW summer session in the gym
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HO
W E N ME GR OU ND !
RND
DATE
OPPONENT
VENUE
TIME
1
SAT 8 FEB
BRISBANE LIONS
HICKEY PARK (QLD)
4.10PM
2
SUN 16 FEB
ST KILDA
RICHMOND OVAL (SA)
4.40PM
3
SUN 23 FEB
GEELONG CATS
GMHBA STADIUM (VIC)
5.10PM
4
SUN 1 MAR
CARLTON
RICHMOND OVAL (SA)
12.40PM
5
SAT 7 MAR
NORTH MELBOURNE
NORTH HOBART OVAL (TAS)
3.10PM
6
SUN 15 MAR
GWS GIANTS
RICHMOND OVAL (SA)
2.40PM
7
SUN 22 MAR
GOLD COAST SUNS
FANKHAUSER RESERVE (QLD)
12.10PM
8
SUN 29 MAR
RICHMOND
UNLEY OVAL (SA)
12.40PM
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ADELAIDE CROWS 2020 WOMEN’S TEAM SEASON GUIDE
ADELAIDE FOOTBALL CLUB WOULD LIKE TO THANK OUR 2020 CROWS WOMEN’S TEAM CORPORATE PARTNERS CO-MAJOR PARTNERS
PREMIER PARTNERS
OFFICIAL PARTNER
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