AFLW community in mourning as former Adelaide player Heather Anderson passes away

The AFLW community are in mourning after learning the news that Adelaide player Heather Anderson has passed away.

The club released a statement on Monday (November 14) confirming Anderson had passed at the age of 28.

The statement read: “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.”

The cause of death has not yet been reported.

Anderson was a premiership-winning player with the Adelaide Crows as part of the 2017 campaign.

She became the first Northern Territory-based player drafted by the Crows back in 2016.

She earned a reputation as a courageous defender after overcoming a serious shoulder injury to play eight games in her debut season.

However, her career was cut show when she suffered another dislocated shoulder in the grand final win and opted for career-ending surgery.

She was known for her bright pink headgear that she says she wore so her vision-impaired mother could spot her on the field.

She was a rising star in the representative league playing for the ACT Women’s Representative team and the All-Australian Youth Girls team.

Outside of footy, she served as a medic in the 1st Close Health Battalion in the Australian Army.

The AFL Women’s account also sent out a tribute to Anderson.

They said: “The AFL extends its deepest sympathies to the family and friends of former Adelaide Crows player Heather Anderson, following her unexpected passing.

“A much-loved and respected teammate, Heather will be greatly missed.”

Tributes from AFL fans also came flowing in.

One fan said: “Was an absolute star whose commitment/work ethic was almost unmatched but injuries cut her AFLW career short. RIP.”

Another said: “Highly respected Australian Army veteran and inaugural Adelaide Crows premiership player lost too young. Vale Heather Anderson.”

A third wrote: “She coached our team in the Army when I was in a few years back. When another coach took over we called him Heather since we missed her so much. Strange Army humour what can I say... So gutted. I barely knew you mate but you touched so many. Thinking of you tonight. Rest easy.”