For Adelaide’s newest recruits, Alice Tentye and Juliet Kelly, their journey onto an AFLW list is proof that persistence, hard work and patience can pay off.

The pair joined the Crows’ nest ahead of the 2026 season as replacement players - Kelly for Brooke Smith who was ruled out after rupturing her ACL - and Tentye coming in for Danielle Paredes (nee Ponter) who announced her pregnancy last month.

Kelly, 18, missed out on being selected at the 2025 AFLW National Draft but didn’t let the disappointment overtake her, instead using it as motivation to realise her lifelong dream to play AFLW.

“I’ve been playing footy since I was at kindergarten through AusKick with the boys, then with girls teams in high school,” Kelly said.

“I was playing with my local Club, Claremont in the WAFLW, before becoming a Crow.

“I missed out in the main draft and the pre-season draft, but I love the sport, so I just kept playing with Claremont, and I knew that if I kept going, working hard, it would eventually pay off, and now it has.

“There’s definitely more than one way to get onto an AFLW team.”

Tentye’s journey to the Crows has been anything but linear.

The SA-born athlete only started playing in the SANFLW for Woodville-West Torrens in 2025 after being scouted from the Limestone Coast.

“If you had asked me this time last year, I definitely wouldn’t have thought I’d be a Crows player, or at an AFL Club,” the 20-year-old said.

“But at the start of this year, I got the opportunity to play state footy, I was playing really well in the SANFLW, and then I was kind of like, ‘wow, this could actually happen’, so I just put in  the hard work and played well in my second state game and it happened.

“I thought the only way to the AFLW was through the draft and I obviously hadn’t played any junior state or come through the draft combine or anything, but you can still chase those dreams even if that’s the case.

“It’s still such a surreal feeling, though.”

Kelly was invited over to Adelaide to train with the Crows earlier this year after having a highlights reel that included setting a new WAFLW record for most disposals when she had 48 touches in a single game.

And it took just two sessions for the utility to impress new Senior Coach Ryan Davis and Executive General Manager Women’s Football Bree Brock.

“I came from WA, and I was a bit surprised I got asked, but also really stoked for the opportunity,” Kelly said.

“I completed two training sessions with the Crows before I was supposed to fly back, but luckily before flying back, I got told the news that I had been offered a list spot. 

“It was a nice flight home, but then I spent a quick two days back in WA, packing all my stuff and then heading back to Adelaide.

“It was definitely a whirlwind, but a good whirlwind to go through, and since then I've settled in really easily. All the girls are so nice, and it’s a great Club to come into.”

Tentye, a 161cm midfielder, starred in the SANFLW with the Eagles this past season, averaging 26 disposals, 9.4 tackles, 4.1 clearances and 3.6 marks per game.

And, as she continues to learn the tactics and structures, Tentye said leadership group member and ruck Jess Allan had taken her under her wing.

“Jess Allan has been great for me and really showed great leadership, both on the track and off it,” Tentye said.

“She’s always asking if I have any questions, helping me with the structure and she’s always trying to make sure I’m OK.”

Both Kelly and Tentye featured in the Crows’ past two match simulations and are hopeful of lining up in the practice match against St Kilda at Unley Oval this Saturday afternoon.

Tentye said the games against oppositions have been a positive experience and have helped her development.

“It’s definitely faster than the SANFLW, but it’s been good,” Tentye said.

“I am still trying to find my feet, but the girls have been lovely.

“I am hoping to have a good hit-out this weekend, continue learning the structures, learning the game, and building that connection with the girls.”

And as for what fans can expect from the pair should they earn a debut, they'll bring fierce contest, high pressure and plenty of energy.

“I love getting in and amongst the congestion, and then I also love to celebrate the small little things,” Kelly said.

“I love a contest as well, and just getting in and winning the ball,” Tentye added.

The Crows face the Saints in an official AFLW practice match at Unley Oval this Saturday at 1pm, with entry to the match free.

Adelaide will play one more match simulation - against Port Adelaide at West Lakes on Sunday, August 2.

The Crows then kick off their 2026 campaign against Sydney at Unley Oval on Sunday, August 16.

Tickets to all 2026 AFLW matches are now on sale, and can be purchased here.

Fans can add the Crows’ full 2026 AFLW fixture to your calendar here.