Crows young gun caps fairytale year with new deal

Jarred Cross Published November 11, 2026 at 4.00pm (AWST)

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20-year-old Jemmika Douglas only joined the Crows two weeks before the start of the 2026 season. She's inked a two-year deal with the club to continue a fast-starting career. Image: Adelaide Crows (afc.com.au)

A feel-good story of the 2026 AFLW season has gone to another level with Jemmika Douglas signing on for a two-year extension with the Crows.

The Barkindji and Gniyampaa defender only landed at the club from North Melbourne Werribee VFLW a fortnight before round one as a top-up player.

She made her debut in round two and retained her spot in the side for the rest of their campaign.

Douglas, 20, impressed over the year, enough to earn her selection in the AFLPA's 22under22 extended squad last week.

It's Jemmika Douglas' moment! 🥰 @Toyota_Aus | #ohwhatafeeling | #AFLWCrowsEagles | #AFLWDeadly https://t.co/DQ50Xb0IBp
— AFL Women's (@aflwomens) August 29, 2026

"It's been my dream to play AFLW since I was a little girl and the Crows gave me that opportunity and as soon as I joined the Club, all the girls got around me and made me feel super welcome, so it was a no-brainer for me to re-sign for a few more years," Douglas said.

"Being out on the field playing with and against some of the footballers I have looked up to, I'm still pinching myself - dreams do come true.

"I feel that I'm playing the best footy I ever have and to be able to do it full-time and to really focus on every aspect of my game, I can't wait to see what the future holds."

Douglas will remain at the Crows until at least the end of 2028.

She averaged 11 disposals, 5.5 intercept possessions and over four ground balls in her debut year.

Douglas last year played in the Kangaroos' VFLW flag, having previously been a Richmond Indigenous Academy member.

"That Jemmika joined our list so late in pre-season and yet was able to make such a big impact on our side over the course of the season, has been a pleasure to witness," Crows AFLW executive general manager Bree Brock said.

"Her journey to the AFLW is evidence of her immense resilience and work ethic, where she took every 'no' and turned it into a yes: she never stopped striving to achieve her dream of playing at the top level.

"In a short time, Jemmika has become a valuable member of our team and a key cog in our backline, and we're thrilled she's staying with us at the Crows."