A group of 10 promising footballers have joined Adelaide’s AFLW side as development players this season.
The rising stars were selected by the Crows from their respective SANFLW teams to train with the side once a week and play in scrimmage matches alongside AFLW players not selected in the senior team.
One train-on player has sacrificed more than most to pursue her dream of playing AFLW.
Midfielder Caitlin Couch has relocated from the Northern Territory and taken unpaid leave at her job to train with the Crows.
Speaking to AFC Media, Couch said it was an opportunity too good to pass up.
“I moved down to Adelaide in July but before that, I was getting flown in to play for South Adelaide each weekend,” Couch said.
“The Crows contacted me this season and were impressed with how I was playing and asked me to be a train-on.
“I figured it was a good opportunity to move to Adelaide and try to impress and see where it gets me.”
Couch said being exposed to a high performance environment had helped take her game to new heights.
“It’s pretty special, there's a lot of talent … it's really great being around the group and seeing how it's all done,” Couch said.
“In training everyone gives 100 per cent, so just trying to match it with everyone else is helping me step up to the next level.
“The goal is to be drafted to a team but also just to step up and see if I can go to that next level.”
Head of Women’s Football Phil Harper said the involvement of the train-on players was invaluable for the Club’s AFLW program.
“Our Development Squad play an important part in our AFLW program and give up their time in their offseason to train and play in scrimmage matches with us,” Harper said.
“It’s a great opportunity for talented SANFLW players to gain exposure to an AFLW program and further their development, but there is great benefit for our Club as well.
“The experience of playing in scrimmage matches is invaluable to our players not selected in our AFLW team and those matches wouldn’t be possible without the hard work and commitment of our Development Players.”
2023 AFLW Development Players
Zoe Venning – West Adelaide
Maddy Lane – Central District
Lauren Breguet – Central District
Morgan Johnston – Norwood
Erin Sundstrom – North Adelaide
Aprille Crooks – North Adelaide
Isabelle Starmer – North Adelaide
Soriah Moon – South Adelaide
Caitlin Couch – South Adelaide
Jorja Hooper – South Adelaide
