By Peter Argent
Confirming its status as the club that has built the first dynasty in AFL Women’s football, the Adelaide Crows won a third premiership last Saturday, defeating Melbourne by 13 points in hot conditions, in front of over 16,000 fans.
For Broken Hill export, Eloise Jones, known to the South Australian sporting public as “EJ”, it was a prized second premiership medallion.
Jones, who was an important link player, playing with plenty of poise and finesse on a wing, finished with 12 possessions, including 10 kicks, four marks, a tackle and a clearance in a strong all round game.
“This win definitely means a lot to this group, as we started pre-season in September last year,” Jones told the Barrier Truth.
“It’s been a long journey with Covid and the associated issues as well, but this win is a great feeling.
“I believe the strength of our group we had this year was so fantastic.
“We didn’t rely on any specific players, every player on our list was able to come in and impact and play a significant role at some point throughout the season.
Jones did confirm the condition was “a bit hot!” for Saturday’s Grand Final.
“But we’re used to it,” Jones continued.
“Most of our season and all of our pre-season was in that type of weather or even hotter.
“In the end, it was a great day for footy capped off by the victory and celebrations after.”
The Crows had seven scoring shots to two in the first half, but only led by 10 points at half time, before a pair of second half goals by Danielle Ponter ensured Crows captain Chelsea Randall lifted the AFLW Premiership Cup in triumph.
The final score was Adelaide 4.5 (29) defeating Melbourne 2.4 (16).
From the Glenelg SANFLW program, Jones has now played 41 games across four seasons of AFLW football. After playing in a flag in just her ninth game, back in 2019, she was also a member of the Crows 2021 Grand Final side.
Her consistency over the 2022 season was confirmed by her being selected in the initial 2022 All-Australian squad of 40 for a second time.
Adelaide CEO Tim Silvers recognised the personal and professional sacrifices the players and coaches had made to achieve team success through this pandemic.
“A third premiership from four grand finals in six years of the AFLW competition is an incredible achievement for our Club and credit must go to everyone involved in our women’s program,” Silvers said.
“Our players are genuine trailblazers for the game and role models for young people, both on and off the field, and we could not be prouder of them.
“We want to celebrate their success with as many South Australians as possible and this event in the city is a great way to start, and we are also planning to take the premiership cup on a tour of the state.”
