Adelaide pair Lisa Whiteley and Yvonne Bonner have announced their AFLW retirement.

Whiteley played 23 games for the Crows after being drafted by GWS in 2018, where she played four games across two seasons, before returning to South Australia.

The utility said she was grateful for the opportunity Adelaide had given her to return home and play in front of her friends and family.

“It was a privilege to play for the Crows, I made some great connections with some amazing people, and it was great to make the most of my footy career at such a great club,” Whiteley said.

Bonner joined Adelaide from Ireland this season and kicked six goals in 10 games.

She retires after 21 career games, including 11 for GWS in 2019 and 2020, before she returned to Ireland due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The forward provided a strong target for the Crows this season but said the time was now right for her to return to Ireland and focus on life after football.

“I am so grateful that I had the opportunity to return to Australia and play another season of AFLW,” Bonner said.

“It was such a great experience for me and my family and we are going to miss all the management, staff and girls who made us feel so welcome.”

Adelaide Head of Women’s Football Phil Harper congratulated the pair on their respective AFLW careers and thanked them for their contribution.

“Yvonne and Lisa have both made a significant impact on the squad and their guidance and support for their fellow teammates has been invaluable,” Harper said. 

“Impressively, Yvonne returned to the competition after over a year off and she did not miss a beat.

“And Lisa is a hugely respected member of our team who has done a remarkable job of balancing a career in the police force with her football commitments. 

“Yvonne and Lisa will be missed but we wish them all the best with life outside of football and they will always be part of the Crows family.”