Three-time premiership player Anne Hatchard has penned a two-year contract extension to remain a Crow until the end of 2024.
Hatchard was awarded the honour of best on ground in the Adelaide's successful grand final appearance this year, before winning the Adelaide Club Champion award (for a second time) and finishing runner-up in the league best and fairest award.
With such an impressive playing CV, it is understood Hatchard fended off rival offers from AFLW expansion clubs before re-signing with the Crows.
Anne Hatchard is B.O.G ๐ pic.twitter.com/SLw2d1u3Ci
— 7AFL (@7AFL) April 9, 2022
Hatchard, who is a three-time All-Australian, will add to her tally of 49 AFLW games at the Crows, citing the club's strong culture and desire for success as key drivers to stick around.
โI love this Club and I love the players, so it was an absolute no-brainer to extend my contract for another two years,โ Hatchard said in a club statement on Wednesday.
โThe coaches and staff here have shown so much belief in me, especially when I was struggling early on in my career, so I definitely want to repay that faith.
โI have so much trust in this squad and I canโt wait to be a part of the journey going forward.โ
Presenting our 2022 AFLW Club Champion, Anne Hatchard ๐ฅณ๐๐#weflyasone pic.twitter.com/9cXR0IcibZ
— Adelaide Crows AFLW (@CrowsAFLW) April 14, 2022
It has since been revealed Hatchard battled through the 2022 season with a concerning plantar fasciitis foot injury, but managed to "power through" and perform despite severe inflammation and the need to have local anesthetic before every match.
Hatchard finished with a league-best 21 goals, kicking multiple goals eight matches this season, while also notching up an average of 24.5 disposals, 6.9 marks, 3.8 tackles and 10.9 contested possessions.
Midfielder
Hatchard will look to continue a dominant base in the Crows' midfield since arriving from Morphettville Park and debuting in inaugural 2017 AFLW season.
Her re-signing also follows the mid-week re-signing of fellow midfielder Ebony Marinoff.
Adelaide Head of Women's Football Phil Harper said the strength of the their program was bearing fruit as players forge a strong connection to the club.
โThere was lots of interest from other clubs and we are excited to have Anne staying on and equally so for what the future holds,โ Harper said in a club statement on Wednesday.
โShe is firmly in the top echelon of players in the League and given her drive and commitment, we feel she can get even better.
โAs a Club, we are determined to stay at the forefront of the competition and we are in the process of putting together another strong squad.โ
