Relentless and Exciting.
They are the two words Marijana Randall (nee Rajcic) uses to describe three-time Adelaide AFLW Premiership star and wife Chelsea Randall.
The triple Premiership star and former Crows Captain will notch her 75th game milestone during Adelaide’s Round Two match against Geelong at Unley Oval this Sunday.
Marijana shared the footy field with Randall as a teammate for six seasons, before she hung up her boots and became the team’s defensive coach.
The pair also share a son, Tomi.
Ahead of the milestone game Marijana spoke with AFC Media to give an insight into Randall as a person, an athlete, and why this milestone means so much.
“She’s exciting and she’s relentless in the way that she plays, that’s how I would describe her,” Marijana said.
“She loves footy… you chuck a football there and she gets to be around her mates - that’s when she is the happiest.
“Off the field, Chels is the most caring, adventurous, fun-loving person you could meet, what you see is what you get.
“It doesn’t matter if she doesn’t know you or has known you for years and years, she’ll always say hello, she’s always willing to have a chat and is welcoming. She always wants to bring you on the journey.”
The now 34-year-old burst onto the footy scene, having an immediate impact in the inaugural campaign, guiding the Crows to the 2017 AFLW Premiership, and earning All-Australian selection.
In 2018, she picked up a string of awards, including the Crows Club Champion and captaincy of the All-Australian side.
She then became a three-time All-Australian in 2019, as she Co-Captained the Crows to their second Premiership.
The following year, Randall tore her ACL in the first pre-season training and missed the entire season.
MJ said Randall’s determination to overcome setbacks had been one of the most impressive parts of her career.
“During her career she’s had some really big achievements but she’s also had some really tough times as well,” Marijana said.
“For her to be able to get out on the park and play her 75th, especially when you look at the first few seasons of AFLW being so short in terms of games, is amazing.
“She’s always been a big believer that you’re always learning.
"You don’t stop learning, and that’s one big thing for her - she constantly wants to improve and get better, and that’s kept her going.”
Since the significant knee injury, Randall has gone from strength to strength, guiding the Crows to their third flag in Season Six, 2022.
Ahead of her 75th match, Randall is a five-time All-Australian (2017, 2018, 2019, 2022 S7, 2024) and has been judged the AFLW’s Most Courageous Player six times.
And despite stepping down as the side’s Captain in 2024, Randall has always been the ultimate teammate, according to Marijana.
“She is one of the greatest teammates to ever have,” Marijana said.
“She’s selfless, she only wants to make her teammates better and that’s always been at the forefront for Chels.
“That is as a teammate, as a Captain - she is always looking out for her team.
“The past couple of years you can just see her development as a coach herself - she’s a development coach in the men’s program and the amount she’s learnt and taught me - has been awesome.”
Marijana couldn’t think of one favourite memory from Randall’s career so far but said she was grateful to have lined up in the 2019 and 2022 (Season Six) Premierships alongside her.
“It was always a privilege to play alongside her down back, some of the tackles she makes or the diving smothers - there’s a highlight reel,” Marijana said.
“There’s probably not just one moment, but there is something from the 2022 Grand Final - I’ve seen the picture where it’s me and Daisy Pearce and Chelsea is just flying on top of us and going for a hanger.
“Like any athlete, you try to get the ultimate success and I was very blessed and grateful to have been alongside her for two of those Premierships.
“This weekend will be her first game for the season, so it will be good to get started, and I’m looking forward to seeing how the girls go this weekend - it’s going to be a great contest.”
This Sunday, the Club will celebrate the 10th AFLW season with a festival of footy at Unley Oval, featuring a sign-making competition, a kids’ zone with virtual games and a kicking inflatable, free grazing boxes on arrival (until sold out), a free glass of bubbles on arrival (until sold out), and a post-match signing session.
Gates open at 1.05pm, with the game against Geelong starting at 2.35pm (ACST).
Tickets are available here and are $15 for adults, while kids are free.
