For Courtney Cramey, there’s one moment that says everything about Ebony Marinoff - both the player and the person.

It unfolded in the 2023 AFLW season - Marinoff was battling a significant syndesmosis injury and she was preparing to do a fitness test to decide if she was fit to play.

Having not missed a game since being drafted to the Crows ahead of the inaugural season in 2017, Marinoff was determined not to let the injury derail that record.

What happened next truly epitomised Marinoff, according to Cramey, her long-time friend, former teammate and current assistant coach.

“Noffy is the ultimate competitor, she’s 100 per cent driven,” Cramey said.

“She suffered a pretty significant syndesmosis ankle injury a couple of seasons ago, and I remember her looking at me on a couple of occasions, particularly the one where she had to do a test before getting the all-clear to play, and she just had this steely look in her eye.

“I could see she was going through a fair bit of pain, and if you know Noffy well, she never shows she’s in pain, and her ultimate response to pain is laughter.

“She had a giggle, and got through the fitness test and continued to play on through a pretty significant syndesmosis injury. That just epitomises who she is, she’ll do what she can to be the best and is very driven.”

Now, as Marinoff prepares to make history when she notches her 100th AFLW game against Sydney this Sunday, her career so far is a decorated one.

The 27-year-old has won three premierships, an AFLW Best and Fairest, three Club Champion awards, seven All-Australian selections, a Showdown Medal and an AFLCA AFLW Champion of the Year award. She is also Co-Captain of the Crows, having held that title since 2024 alongside Sarah Allan.

As Cramey reflects on her good mate’s journey, she says it’s Marinoff’s relentless work ethic and constant desire to improve that really sets her apart.

“She was a hard-working kid from the get-go and whatever she put her mind to, you knew she was going to give it her all and she’s continued to do that throughout her career,” Cramey said.

“That’s why she’s been recognised with some individual accolades around being one of the best.

“She’s always wanting to get better every single day. She’s in for extra vision, extra touch, she’s working through ideas around opposition and players within their midfield.

“Noffy is an absolute joy to coach, the time and energy she puts into footy is huge and she makes our midfield better.”

Cramey first crossed paths with Marinoff more than a decade ago, with the pair playing footy for Morphettville Park in the Adelaide Footy League’s women’s competition.

Marinoff was only 15 at the time, juggling surf life saving and football, but even then, she stood out for her determination.

“As a kid, she was very driven, when I first met her at footy, she was definitely someone who wanted to give her all to what she was involved in - both in footy and in life,” Cramey said.

“At that time, she was heavily involved in surf life saving, but I could definitely see the potential in her as a footballer.

“Knowing the likelihood that football would one day in her lifetime become professional and there would be an opportunity for her to play at a national level was very exciting, and she chose the right way, which was to pursue footy.”

Cramey said winning the 2019 premiership alongside Marinoff would remain her favourite memory.

“Going through the journey of being involved in the Crows with her through that inaugural year was amazing,” Cramey said.

“We continued to work hard alongside each other and learn from each other. She made me a better player and a better person, and I’d like to think that I’ve had a small impact on her as a person, as well.

“Sharing the 2019 premiership at Adelaide Oval with Noffy is one of my favourite memories. We exceeded some records in women’s sport, and to go about winning the flag again for a second time as a footy club was pretty special. 

“She was amazing in how she played her game out, how she contributed and she’s gone on to do great things post that - but that was probably a special memory.”

Cramey said she felt privileged to have had a front row seat during Marinoff’s career and was excited for her to hit the 100-game milestone.

“I am super proud of who she is and the person she has become. I wish her all the best for her 100th game and it’s a huge achievement, but it’s come through pure grit and hard work,” Cramey said.

“She deserves every accolade she gets on her journey.”

Marinoff will become one of the first players to hit 100 AFLW games this weekend, sharing it with Brisbane’s Ally Anderson, who will line-up in her 100th match when the Lions take on Richmond on Sunday.

Crows Members and fans are encouraged to head to Adelaide’s match against Sydney this Sunday afternoon to help celebrate Marinoff’s milestone, as well as the Club’s 100th AFLW game.

Be there and bring a friend for free, using the codeword AFLW20252FOR1 when you buy tickets here.

The Crows take on the Swans at Thomas Farms Oval (Unley Oval) on Sunday at 2.35pm.