“We’d like to thank AFLW, especially the Adelaide Crows, and defence (the defence department) for their support and acknowledge the support of the broader community.”

“The remarkable response to the news of Heather taking her own life has been a comforting testament to the love and friendships she shared with friends, former teammates, and fellow soldiers from across the whole country.”

Heather Anderson’s family

Both AFLW clubs will be wearing black armbands with the Lions honouring Courtney Hodder’s grandfather who also died recently.

There’ll also be a minute’s silence in the pre-game ceremony to remember Anderson.

Adelaide’s playing group will also wear pink shoelaces as a nod to Anderson’s pink helmet, which she wore to help her vision-impaired mother spot her on the field.

Anderson, 28, was a reliable defender who played in exhibition games before the AFLW started, but she had her professional career cut short after a second serious shoulder dislocation in the 2017 AFLW grand final.

She was also a medic in the Australian Defence Force.

Five current Crows players played in the 2017 premiership side alongside Anderson - captain Chelsea Randall, Ebony Marinoff, Anne Hatchard, Stevie-Lee Thompson and Sarah Allan.

Randall expressed her sadness via social media.

“Doesn’t seem real that you’re gone. Selfless, courageous, hard working and one of the all time greats. A TRUE ultimate teammate and the kindest human you would ever meet,” Randall wrote.

“I feel so fortunate that footy brought our lives together. To call you a mate, and to have shared in so many special memories. I’ll miss you so much buddy. Our deepest condolences to Head’s family and friends. Rest In Peace Heads. Love you mate.”

Allen said that the club had been preparing for the game while also allowing players to grieve.

The preliminary final will determine who clashes in the grand final the following weekend, and which sides’ seasons will end.

“We’re just trying to prepare for it the same way that we would any game, and just allowing, obviously, people to feel what they feel and grieve how they’re going to grieve that loss,” said Allen.

Friday’s game, itself, couldn’t be better poised.

“We’re really excited to have another crack at Brisbane and, and hopefully take it to them a little bit more than we did last time,” Allen said.

The two have forged a fierce rivalry, having met in two grand finals - Adelaide claiming the first in 2017, and Brisbane winning the other in 2021. Earlier this season, the Lions had the upper hand when they met, claiming a 22-point victory over the reigning premiers.

Allen said a focus of the game will be trying to contain Brisbane’s pressure, while playing a consistent four quarters of football.

“When we played them last time, we got off to a really good start and then we sort of let them back into the game in the second quarter, and they put about three or four goals past us.

“So, I think if we can just find a consistent point of footy throughout, we’ll be in really good stead against them.”

Brisbane host Adelaide on Friday at Metricon Stadium from 7.40pm AEDT.

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