GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 25: (L-R) Chelsea Randall, Bec Goddard (Coach) and Erin Phillips of the Crows hold the cup aloft after winning the inaugural AFLW Premiership during the 2017 AFLW Grand Final match between the Brisbane Lions and the Adelaide Crows at Metricon Stadium on March 25, 2017 in Gold Coast, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Media/Getty Images)

The Adelaide Crows have confirmed AFLW coach Bec Goddard will return to defend the club's 2017 premiership.

Goddard was instrumental in the Crows' AFLW success and was praised for bringing together a team hailing from all corners of the country.

The Crows finished their home-and-away campaign in second, with a 5-2 record, but overcame an undefeated Brisbane side in the Grand Final to claim the inaugural premiership.

In addition to years of football experience as a player, coach and umpire, Goddard's other role is as a special investigator for the Australian Federal Police.

Adelaide CEO Andrew Fagan was understandably delighted.

"Bec is a talented coach with a strong work ethic and fierce desire to get the best out of herself and those around her," Fagan said.

Goddard said she was eager to continue as coach and was excited at the club's commitment to the women's game.

"Our aim in the first season was to develop a strong culture and in 2018 we want to strengthen and enhance our program," she said.

"The competition will be even tougher and we are already working hard to ensue we play a brand of football of which we and our fans can be proud."