Experienced Crows defender Sarah Allan has decided to relinquish her leadership role to instead narrow her focus to on-field performance.

Allan, 28, has co-captained the team for the past two seasons alongside Ebony Marinoff and has been part of the leadership group for seven seasons, including serving as vice-captain for three.

The three-time AFLW premiership winner said the time was right for her to step aside to allow a fresh wave of leaders to emerge.

“I am so grateful for the opportunity to have led this team and for how much it has taught me, not only about football but about myself,” Allan said.

“Being captain is such a privilege because it gives you the opportunity to strive to be the best version of yourself for your teammates, and I’ll be forever grateful that I was given the chance to do that.

“But I have come to a point in my career where I want to focus on playing the best footy I possibly can, for the benefit of the team.

“I’m excited about the next wave of leaders who are emerging within our side and me stepping aside allows the opportunity for others to start their leadership journey and I’m looking forward to supporting them as they do that.”

Crows AFLW Senior Coach Ryan Davis paid tribute to the contribution Allan has made.

“Sarah is the absolute epitome of a good teammate: always one to put others first, hardworking and collaborative,” he said.

“As an original member of the Crows squad from back in 2017, she has spent seven seasons in our leadership group, so it goes without saying that her impact both on and off the field has been significant and that won’t end just because she doesn’t have the word captain next to her name.

“We look forward to seeing the impact she will continue to make to our side into the future as we strive for more team success.”