Adelaide AFLW champion Deni Varnhagen has taken to social media to speak on her stance not to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.
The 29-year-old and the Crows recently came to a mutual decision to move the two-time premiership defender to the club's inactive list, with players required to be fully vaccinated ahead of the new AFLW season in January.
Varnhagen, who is a registered nurse, has stated her beliefs that players should not be required to follow a vaccination mandate and that getting the jab should be a preference.
After being moved to the Crows' inactive list last week, Varnhagen has since posted a message to Instagram in doubling down on her stance to not receive the vaccine.
“Firstly I want to thank the community (near and far), my family and friends for their overwhelming support this past month, it has been so so incredible and has really helped me through this deeply challenging time,” Varnhagen wrote.
“I've always stood up for what I believe in and I will continue to do that, no matter how difficult the journey may seem, there will be light and joy at the end of this road.
“Unfortunately I need to step away from the club for now. I will always love my footy and team, I hope that I can join my teammates again soon.”
The Crows will turn their attention toward the new season in hope of bouncing back from their grand final defeat to the Lions.
Adelaide confirmed their new-look leadership group for the 2022 season, with superstar Chelsea Randall to be the stand-alone skipper after previously sharing the role with Erin Phillips across the past four years.