AFLW’s first dynasty is born as Crows reap rewards of investment

A third premiership won on Saturday by the Adelaide Crows, who now boast more trophies than the club’s men’s side, is just reward for their investment in women’s football, the ability to retain star players and the importance of sound leadership.

Adelaide were amongst the first AFL clubs to feature in the inaugural AFLW season – beneficiaries of the hard work of Gina Dutschke and others who established women’s football in the state after founding the South Australian women’s football league in 1990. Many doubted the state’s ability to produce a quality women’s side when the AFL announced plans to fast track a competition in 2016 and there were legitimate concerns over the talent pool, but Adelaide began building their pathway programs in 2015 and 2016 in collaboration with the SANFL.

By March 2017, the Crows were featuring in the AFLW’s first grand final, where they started as underdogs against the undefeated Brisbane Lions, but emerged as champions. It was their first foray into footy folklore – the first ever premiers of the AFLW.

After a disappointing fifth-placed finish the next year, Adelaide surged back to prominence in 2019 under the leadership of new coach Mathew Clarke and a second premiership arrived in 2019 following a 45-point grand final victory over Carlton.

The win was marred by a heartbreaking ACL injury for Erin Phillips. In a game where she played only three quarters, Phillips still managed to win best on ground and with it came confirmation that not only was she a champion of the game but also the key to Adelaide’s enduring success. The success of 2019 was the first sign a legacy was brewing in South Australia.

Strong leadership, the envy of the league, has been a feature for this side since the