Key forward Sarah Perkins is in the unique position of playing for two top-level clubs in the same year.

The Melbourne local has played for Adelaide in the NAB AFL Women's competition for the past two years and will again line up for the Crows next year.

But she has spent her winter back home, playing for Hawthorn in the VFLW competition.

"At the moment it works because one is in the AFLW and one is only in the VFLW. We were smart about what we wanted to do,” Perkins told AFL.com.au.

"I also weighed up joining NT Thunder (with some of her Adelaide teammates) once I found out they were joining the VFLW.

"Both clubs have worked really well together. I've done everything to the best of my ability. The Hawks are in constant contact with the strength and conditioning staff in Adelaide.

“I'm working with both clubs and I think it's been great.

"I'm in a lucky position, where both clubs care a lot about their players and about me."

The 25-year-old had a comparatively quiet AFLW season in front of goals in 2018, kicking just one goal compared to 11 the year before.

Some of that was partly a result of superstar Erin Phillips missing the first two matches with a quad injury. Once Phillips was back, she was often restricted to full-forward (Perkins' usual position).

When Perkins was going well in 2017, she was benefitting from Phillips' effective inside-50 entries.

Perkins was also forced up the ground at times, sometimes starting in the middle for centre bounces.

"I was just trying to get my hands on the footy to be honest. Just to try something different,” she said.

“Erin was injured, so we needed to find something.

"(Playing up the ground) is something I'm still trying to work towards potentially for season three.

“I'm not too sure what 'Doc' (new Adelaide coach Matthew Clarke) has planned for us and the way we structure up, but I'm looking forward to getting back in November."

Sarah Perkins in action during the 2018 AFLW season

Perkins has already worked Clarke, who has been at the Crows as the AFL ruck coach since 2008.

"There was a chance I would have to play in the ruck last AFLW season, so he did a lot of ruck work with us taller girls.

"I've spoken to him a couple of times, I've even called him throughout the VFLW season and got a bit of feedback,” she said.

“I know he's doing a lot of work with the girls at the moment and they love it, so can't wait to get back and start working with him."