Adelaide’s second selection, with pick No. 30, was former Australian basketball star Jessica Foley.

Pick No. 30

Jessica Foley 

Age: 35 (20/4/1983)
Height: 183cm
Position: Ruck/utility

Local club: Sturt/Fitzroy

Occupation: Doctor

Playing style: Has predominantly played in the ruck but can also play as a key-position defender or forward. Aggressive and excellent follow-up efforts considering her height.

Key achievements:

- Standout competitor in her first SANFLW season in 2018, winning the Coaches Award

- SANFLW Team of the Year (Ruck)

- Averaged more than 18 disposals a game, with a standout performance in Round Three with 26 disposals, 11 marks, seven tackles and 22 hit-outs

- Former Australian and state basketballer

- Former Adelaide Lighting captain 

You may not know:

- Jess attended Duke University in North Carolina where she played basketball and completed pre-med courses

- She was drafted by WNBA's Indiana Fever in 2006, but did not play because of injury. In 2008, Foley was traded to the Connecticut Suns, but returned to Australia without playing a WNBA game

- She played footy in the backyard growing up with her brothers and Dad, but only started playing footy at amateur level last year

GM of Football Administration Phil Harper said:

“Jess is a great story and another example of the opportunities AFLW has created for female athletes. She’s a former elite-level basketballer who dominated in her first SANFLW season this year at the age of 35. Jess rucked for Sturt but can also hold down a key-position role at either end. She’s a strong mark and her follow-up at ground level is very good for a player of her height. Jess also has great leadership qualities as a former captain of the Adelaide Lightning.”