Young Adelaide forward India Rasheed, and Irish recruit Kayleigh Cronin will make their AFLW debuts on Sunday when the Crows take on St Kilda in Round One of the 2025 AFLW season.

Crows Head of AFLW, Phil Harper, said the club was excited to debut two players, both of whom exhibited elite skills and embodied hard work.

Rasheed – a two-time Under 18 All-Australian – was drafted by the Crows at Pick No. 13 at the 2024 AFLW National Draft.

Harper said the 173cm teenager would play a half-forward/wing role and would thrill fans with her elite ball use.

“The great thing that India has done is worked really hard from the start of pre-season, she hasn’t missed any sessions and that work has meant she has put herself in the position to be able to be selected to play as an 18-year-old, which is rare,” Harper said.

“What India brings is elite ball use, she’s a smart player and she runs and covers territory in a short amount of time.”

Gaelic star Cronin, 28, joined the Crows as a rookie for the 2025 AFLW season, after the 181cm athlete enjoyed a fairytale year with County Kerry in the Ladies Gaelic Football Association where she helped lead the team to its first title win in 31 years.

Harper said Cronin would play in the backlines but could also potentially play in the ruck if required.

“Kayleigh is a true professional, who comes into the club on her days off to study the game, study the opposition and try to improve her game. It seems to be working as she is getting better with every day,” he said.

“She will be better again for her first game on Sunday and eventually we believe she could be a star of the competition.”

The Crows take on St Kilda at RSEA Park on August 17, from 1.40pm (ACST).