All Australians Anne Hatchard, Sarah Allan and Stevie-Lee Thompson were among the players to ink new deals in the final days of the AFLW Sign and Trade Period.
Already contracted for Season 2021/22, dual-premiership players Hatchard and Allan have each signed for an additional year. Emerging stars Eloise Jones, Danielle Ponter and Teah Charlton have also extended their existing contracts until 2023.
Livewire Thompson has signed a fresh two-year deal while reliable defender Nikki Gore, who was enjoying a career-best season prior to fracturing her ankle in Round Six, is also ready to return in Season 2021/22.
Head of Women’s Football Phil Harper said it was a great show of faith that the key Crows were keen to re-commit to the Club.
“Stevie has played every game our club has ever been involved in and finished top-five in our Club Champion award last season. Stevie is a much-loved member of our squad, and I know our members and supporters will be excited to see her running around in Crows colours for another two seasons,” he said.
“Anne and Sarah are very important key players for us and along with other young players like Eloise, Danielle, Nikki and Teah they are all a big part of our future.”
In total, Adelaide has secured 25 players from the squad that reached the Grand Final last season.
Captain Chelsea Randall was the first Crow to commit, followed by reigning Club Champion Ebony Marinoff and two-time Premiership player and League Best and Fairest Erin Phillips.
Premiership players Dayna Cox, Marijana Rajcic, Hannah Button and Ailish Considine have signed on, along with emerging players Rachelle Martin, Ashleigh Woodland, Caitlin Gould, Lisa Whiteley, Hannah Munyard, Madison Newman and Chelsea Biddell.
“We are delighted to retain our core group of players as we know that we were very close to the ultimate success last year. We have many young players in our squad who will continue to improve & grow in our AFLW Football program under Doc & his assistants,” Harper said.
Chloe Scheer joined Geelong during the Sign and Trade Period, while Premiership forward Renee Forth has not been offered a contract for next season.
Experienced leader Angela Foley has been placed on the inactive list as she recovers from an ACL injury. 2017 Premiership players, Ruck Rhiannon Metcalfe (work commitments) and forward Jessica Sedunary (cycling) will also be inactive in Season 2021/22.
Adelaide has five list spots available leading into the AFLW Draft in July.
AFLW Squad for 2021/22
Caitlin Gould
Eloise Jones
Rachelle Martin
Hannah Button
Nikki Goree
Najwa Allen
Deni Varnhagen
Ebony Marinoff
Chelsea Biddell
Erin Phillips
Stevie-Lee Thompson
Danielle Ponter
Ailish Considine
Madison Newman
Hannah Munyard
Montana McKinnon
Lisa Whiteley
Justine Mules
Ashleigh Woodland
Teah Charlton
Chelsea Randall
Dayna Cox
Marijana Rajcic
Anne Hatchard
Saran Allan
