The Adelaide Football Club and the wider AFLW community are mourning the passing of inaugural premiership player Heather Anderson.
The Canberra native was recruited to the Crows with the 10th selection of the debut AFLW Draft, making the journey across to the City of Churches following a stellar amateur career in the Australian Capital Territory, as well as time spent in the Northern Territory.
Throughout her career in the nation's capital, Anderson perennially represented the region at national carnivals, earning All-Australian honours in 2013.
Anderson wore the Crows' famous tri-colours on eight occasions throughout the 2017 season, with the helmeted defender playing her role in Adelaide's premiership win over Brisbane at Metricon Stadium.
Born in 1994, Anderson also served in the Australian Army, acting as a medic in the 1st Close Health Battalion headquartered in Darwin.
The Adelaide Football Club is deeply saddened by the unexpected passing of Premiership player Heather Anderson. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends. pic.twitter.com/4aUz8GZ8p7
— Adelaide Crows AFLW (@CrowsAFLW) November 14, 2022
In a statement released from AFL House, competition chief Nicole Livingstone expressed her sorrow at Anderson's sudden passing.
“Words cannot express the deep sadness amongst the AFL and AFLW community at this time. Our sincerest condolences are to the Anderson family,” Ms Livingstone said.
“On behalf of the AFL, I would like to express my deepest compassion to Heather's family, friends and colleagues.”
Adelaide is once again scheduled to face Brisbane at Metricon Stadium in the opening elimination final on Friday.
