AFLW premiership winner Heather Anderson dies aged 28

The AFLW has been left in shock after it was revealed premiership winner Heather Anderson had passed away aged 28.

Anderson was a fan favourite. Photo by Will Russell/AFL Media/Getty Images

The AFLW has been left in shock after 2017 premiership winner Heather Anderson died at the age of 28.

Her team, the Adelaide Crows, said her death was “unexpected”.

The details of her death are not yet known.

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“The Adelaide Football Club is deeply saddened by the unexpected passing of Premiership player Heather Anderson. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends,” a statement from the Crows read.

In a statement, AFLW boss Nicole Livingstone expressed her sympathy to Anderson’s family and friends, calling the former star a “much-loved and respected teammate”.

“Words cannot express the deep sadness among the AFL and AFLW community at this time. Our sincerest condolences are to the Anderson family,” Livingstone said.

“On behalf of the AFL, I would like to express my deepest compassion to Heather’s family, friends and colleagues.”

Former Crows forward Sarah Perkins took to social media in tribute, posting a photo of Anderson with the caption “family forever” and three love hearts in the Crows colours.

RIP Heather. Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Media/Getty Images

The former army medic became the first Northern Territory-based player drafted by the Adelaide Crows with the 10th pick of the 2016 Draft, ahead of the first season of the AFLW.

Anderson had immediate success as part of the Crows, playing eight games for Adelaide and winning the inaugural AFLW premiership.

But in the grand final, she suffered a dislocated shoulder which required a second surgery on her right shoulder within a year.

Because of her injury, Anderson was delisted by the Crows and was not redrafted, announcing her indefinite retirement from the AFL.

Anderson was a fan favourite, wearing a distinctive pink headgear, which she explained was so her vision-impaired mother could spot her.