Adelaide has elevated Ebony Marinoff to its 2022 AFLW leadership group after her compelling start to pre-season in which she has been a standout on and off the training track. 

The reigning Club Champion joins midfielder Stevie-Lee Thompson, experienced defender Sarah Allan, forward Eloise Jones and captain Chelsea Randall who were named in the leadership group last month.

Marinoff has emerged as one of the AFLW’s leading midfielders, having played 41 games for the Crows since her debut in 2017. 

The 23-year-old is also a two-time AFLW premiership player and was the competition’s first Rising Star award winner.

Adelaide AFLW Senior Coach Matthew Clarke said Marinoff had been an outstanding player for the Club since its inaugural season.

Clarke said the on-baller had shone over the past month of pre-season with her attitude and deserved to be recognised as an official leader.

“She’s never finished lower than the top three in our best and fairest,” Clarke said.

“But what’s been impressive over the past two years is that she’s really embracing helping her teammates get better and really developing in the leadership space.

“She’s one of the most dedicated and committed athletes I’ve seen so I know that if she puts her mind to this area, she’s going to become a great leader for us. 

“Chelsea has worked with Ebony over the past month and she’s really keen to see her step forward and be part of hopefully leading us into a successful season.”

Marinoff said she was honoured to be part of the leadership group.

“I have a real passion for the football Club and I want to help drive standards so we can continue to build on our success,” Marinoff said.   

“For the past five years I have worked hard not only on my own game but also my leadership qualities and how I can positively influence others.

“We have an extremely strong leadership group, led by Chelsea Randall, and I am looking forward to being part of it and learning from them.”

Marinoff said she was excited to uphold the team’s culture and build connections.

“The new players we have recruited have slotted into our group seamlessly,” Marinoff said. 

“We can’t wait for season 2022 and to see how far this group can go.”

Now it’s your chance to get behind our leadership group and the AFLW side. Sign up for your 2022 AFLW Membership now and secure your access to home games!