AFL Northern Territory congratulates Angela Foley on becoming the first NT-based footballer to be signed by the Adelaide Football Club for next year’s inaugural national women’s league.
A three-time premiership winner with local NTFL side Waratah, Foley has also won the NTFL Most Valuable Player women’s award for the past two seasons.
Through her involvement with the NT Thunder State Academy she first represented the Northern Territory in 2015 and did so again in 2016, with matches against Vic Academy and Tasmania.
Foley was one of two pre-signed players the Crows announced on Thursday night.
South Australian Courtney Cramey, arguably SA’s most prominent female footballer, secured the second spot.
Andrew Hodges, newly appointed Crows women’s senior assistant coach, said Foley has earned her signing.
“Ange is a fantastic leader within the group. She can always be relied upon to give 100% - on the field and off it.
“She has earned this call-up and I have no doubt that her attitude and professionalism will see her prosper in the Crows team,” Hodges said.
Foley said she was ecstatic to be part of the team.
“I can’t wipe the smile off my face, it’s the stuff dreams are made of.
“I grew up a diehard Richmond supporter but I’m a Crows woman all the way now. I just can’t wait to get started,” Foley said.
Her family – parents John and Lorraine, along with brother Brett said they were proud of what she had achieved.
“As a PE teacher Angela has always had a keen interest in all sports. She has excelled at many sports growing up but AFL was a sport she didn’t take up until her university days in Bendigo.
“We are very proud of how far she has come with her football and all of her footballing achievements. Football is the number one sport in our family and as mad St. Kilda, Richmond and Essendon supporters, We are looking forward to supporting the Crows in 2017, “ they said.
Foley’s partner Bree Martin was just as excited about the news.
“Having played AFL alongside Ange since the very start of her career, I’ve had the privilege of watching her grow as a person, a teammate, a leader and coach.
“To now see her become an elite AFL player is truly amazing! Her dedication, hard work and desire to be the best she can be is a credit to herself and I couldn't be more proud to see her dreams become a reality! I look forward to being a Crows fan in 2017,” Martin said.