First-year Crow India Rasheed says the influence of teammate Maddi Newman has been a pivotal part of her inaugural AFLW season.
The 18-year-old arrived at West Lakes as a highly-touted junior, and after she produced a stellar pre-season training block, was awarded her AFLW debut in the Crows’ Round One clash against St Kilda.
Since then, she has featured in all 11 of Adelaide’s games and grown in confidence with each week, something she has put down to the influence of the extroverted Newman.
Speaking to the media on Tuesday, Rasheed explained how her senior teammate had helped her believe she belonged as a professional footballer, both on and off the field.
“Maddi Newman has been huge for me during my time at the Club so far,” Rasheed said.
“She’s really helped me feel confident in myself when I’m playing footy, and settle well into the team both on and off the field.
“The girls in the forward line have been incredible as well, the likes of Eloise Jones, Danielle Ponter and Caitlin Gould, they’ve really taken it upon themselves to help me with my development.
"Playing on some of the great defenders we have here as well in Sarah Allan, Chelsea Biddell and Zoe Prowse has really helped me as well.
“Everyone at the Club has been incredible in helping me grow as a player and a person.”
Rasheed was recognised for her consistent debut season on Monday, as she received the Round 11 Telstra AFLW Rising Star nominations for her efforts in the Crows’ Showdown loss to Port Adelaide.
Playing across the half forward line, Rasheed recorded 14 disposals and a career-high six marks, providing a shining light on what was a disappointing night for her team.
“Personal achievements don’t really excite me too much, I would have much rather won on the weekend than got the rising star nomination,” Rasheed said.
“But reflecting on it a bit in the past day, the nomination is a nice reward for the hard work I’ve put into my game this season.
“I’ve been a little bit up and down to be honest, there’s definitely been a lot of new learnings for me playing a new role on a new team.
“I’ve just loved being around the girls and being a part of the environment here at the Crows, I’ve had so much fun and everyone has helped me so much.”
Despite the result, featuring on the Showdown stage was a dream come true for the South Australian, who grew up idolising the rivalry - albeit as a die-hard Port Adelaide supporter.
She reflected on her first Showdown experience as a player, and how it felt to be on the Crows’ side of the contest.
“It was a pretty awesome experience to be out there playing in a Showdown, I grew up watching it, albeit going for Port, but I loved being out there representing the tri-colours,” Rasheed said.
“As soon as my name got read out on draft night and walked through the doors my allegiances switched (from Port to the Crows), the Club has made me feel so at home and I’ve loved the Crows ever since.
“It was good to see there was a bit of spirit out there with both teams getting into each other, and I feel this particular game has sparked a big rivalry that will continue for years to come.”
Adelaide takes on Fremantle in a do-or-die Round 12 clash at Norwood Oval this Sunday, with the first bounce at 4.35pm ACDT.
Get your tickets here.
