Meet the new face of SA footy
Adelaide’s first ever Women’s AFL team has begun to take shape, with the Crows today unveiling the foundation players of its inaugural team – both from Western Australia.
New Crows Chelsea Randall and Kellie Gibson. Photo: Michael Errey, InDaily.
Marquee signings Chelsea Randall and Kellie Gibson have signed on for the Adelaide-Northern Territory side, one of eight teams that will play in the competition’s first season next year.
“Both Kellie and Chelsea rate among the most admired female footballers in Australia and we’re thrilled to have them at the Crows,” said Crows Head of Football David Noble in a statement.
Gibson lays a tackle on Melbourne’s Emma Swanson at the MCG last year. Photo: Julian Smith, AAP.
“Chelsea is a hard hitting, athletic and versatile player who can take a high mark and has exceptional skills… Kellie is a quick outside runner who is tough, physical and can read the play well.
“Importantly, both have great leadership qualities on and off the field.”
Noble said he wanted to make the Crows a “club of choice for women and girls, whether as participants, administrators or fans”.
The 25-year-old Randall, who hails from Swan Districts, is a three-time All Australian forward whop has played exhibition games for the Melbourne Demons.
Chelsea Randall (playing for Melbourne, second from left) is tackled by Bulldogs opponents. Photo: Julian Smith, AAP.
Gibson, 20, is a former Rugby Sevens junior international who moved to SA this year to work for the SANFL and play with Morphettville Park in the SAWFL.
They were among 16 ‘marquee’ players unveiled nationally across the eight women’s teams by the AFL today.
Noble and former Adelaide Thunderbirds coach Jane Woodlands-Thompson are currently conducting a search for a senior coach for the women’s team.
