Crows AFLW co-captain Erin Phillips has re-signed to the club for the 2020 season, as rehab on her knee begins

Injured Crows co-captain Erin Phillips signs back on with the club for the 2020 season, as Adelaide starts planning its premiership defence.

Adelaide’s plans for back-to-back AFLW premierships are in full swing, with 20 of the 21 grand final players officially signing back on with the tricolours for next year.

Those recommitting to the Crows include co-captain Erin Phillips, who was best on ground during her side’s emphatic 45-point grand final victory over Carlton at Adelaide Oval.

Phillips — who had a knee surgery a fortnight ago after she tore her ACL during the grand final — has taken to social media to inform followers that her rehab is progressing and she has already achieved 180-degree extension and 90-degree flexion of her reconstructed left knee.

“Off the pain meds and becoming more mobile every day,” Phillips wrote.

“A marathon ahead of me but so much support behind me.

“So grateful.”

But while Phillips has re-signed to the Crows, the club’s head of football administration Phil Harper said the star mid-forward was no guarantee of playing in the 2020 season.

“As we know, Erin is a total professional,” he said.

“She is rehabilitating her knee to give herself the best chance of playing again, but we all know there are no guarantees.

“The rules dictate that we have to re-sign our players now, but a decision on Erin’s playing future won’t be made until at least February next year.

“We’ll continue to support Erin, Tracy and the kids throughout the process.”

Getting the team back together: 20 out of the Crows 21 grand final-winning players have re-signed to the club for the 2020 season. PHOTO: Michael Willson/AFL Photos

Meanwhile an old face will return, with dangerous forward Ruth Wallace returning after spending the 2019 season on the inactive list.

Wallace played seven games for the Crows in 2018 and during that season was Adelaide’s most-targeted player inside 50.

Harper said she had stepped away from football in 2019 for personal reasons, but had indicated she wanted to return.

“So, we have put her back on our list for 2020 and will continue to support her as she builds back towards playing,” he said.

Ruth Wallace in action for the Crows against Fremantle during the 2018 season. PHOTO: AAP Image/Glenn Campbell

However Jess Allan — who also spent the 2019 season on the inactive list while she was in Canberra pursuing a career in the army — has been traded to Greater Western Sydney.

Harper said the club was sad to see Jess (the younger sister of Crows defender Sarah) go, but the next step in her career required her to be based in Canberra for at least three more years.

“Jess is very much a required player for us and if she was in South Australia she would be on our list … this trade will ensure she can continue to play football and follow both of her passions,” he said.

As compensation, the Crows have received pick 46 in October’s AFLW Draft.

The only grand final player not to re-sign is utility Jenna McCormick who has decided to pursue her dream of playing soccer for Australia and will instead be placed on the Crows inactive list.

Originally published as Crows AFLW co-captain Erin Phillips has re-signed to the club for the 2020 season, as rehab on her knee begins