Ex W-League captain Marijana Rajcic wins AFLW flag after missing out on 2017 premiership

Former Adelaide United W-League captain Marijana Rajcic was a train-on partner with the Crows when they won their first AFLW grand final in 2017. Now the 30-year-old is a proud owner of a premiership medal.

• Adelaide wins second AFLW flag despite knee injury to Phillips
• Crows AFLW midfielder says team always had faith
• Crows star Varnhagen tells of special bond with grandmothers

Former Adelaide United W-League captain Marijana Rajcic was a train-on partner with the Crows when they won their first AFLW grand final in 2017.

Rajcic had just made the switch from soccer to Australian rules and watched the Crows beat Brisbane in the inaugural flag decider.

Now the 30-year-old is a proud owner of a premiership after lining up with Adelaide in its 45-point grand final win against Carlton at Adelaide Oval on Sunday.

Marijana Rajcic. Picture: Sarah Reed

“I still remember the last training session before they went to the Gold Coast (in 2017) and I was buzzing, and jumping up and down when they won,” the defender said.

“It was a surreal moment to see them do that.

“I was then like ‘I really want to be there with them’.

Marijana Rajcic in action during the preliminary final against Geelong last week. Picture: AAP/ David Mariuz

“Everyday I walk into the locker rooms and all the players have their names and ‘premiership player 2017’ on their lockers.

“I tapped on them and said ‘I want this’ and now I’ve got one.

“I can’t even describe it, I’m just so happy.”

Rajcic ended the grand final with 15 possessions, five marks and four tackles.

It had been whirlwind season for Rajcic, who was told at the beginning of the campaign that she would be moved into the forward line, only to later return to defence.

“We (the defenders) have a special bond, our ‘Team D’ does.

“We really do care for each other and that shows on the field.

“We just have that intuition and we know what the other four are going to do and that helps when we’re out there (on the field).”

Crows players celebrate after winning the AFLW grand final against Carlton at Adelaide Oval on Sunday. Picture: AAP/David Mariuz

The Crows selected Rajcic at pick No. 32 in the 2017 AFLW draft after she impressed with Norwood in the SANFLW that same year.

She featured in five matches last season but cemented her spot in the side this year, having not missed a match.

“There’s just something about it (Australian rules) and I’ve fallen in love with it.

“I’m loving every minute of it and I don’t want to stop.”