DESPITE missing out on most players’ ultimate goal of being drafted, 2021 was a “rewarding” year for Neve Crowley. The Calder Cannons and Essendon VFLW utility built on the promise she showed since making her NAB League Girls debut in 2019, ending her campaign via representative honours with Vic Metro.

Back with both the Cannons and Bombers in 2022, the over-ager reflected fondly on her achievements thus far, and will look to use each learning as the new season rolls on.

“(2021) was really rewarding,” Crowley said. “I learned a lot on field and off the field. I was surrounded by lots of great leaders, learned some great qualities and skills, so I was pretty happy.

“I definitely have my strengths and weaknesses identified clearly by scouts, Essendon and whatnot. But I’m just going to try to focus on my weaknesses and try to improve them.”

The versatile 175cm prospect thrives aerially, and proved as much on the stat sheet with an average of 4.5 marks per her two Under 19 National Championship games last year. Playing at either end of the ground, Crowley’s experience has allowed her to outline growth areas and perhaps the position she plays best in.

“Some of my strengths are probably marking, kicking, my long distance running and just getting around my teammates,” she said. “(I am) definitely looking to improve my goalkicking, like accuracy. “I really want to get more goals this year instead of more behinds, but we’ll see how I go.

“I do prefer forward, I don’t mind a bit of back here and there. I like being a hybrid player but forward is definitely my preferred position.”

During preseason, the 18-year-old set her sights on improving her fitness and ensuring her skills were “on point” ahead of Round 1. Long-term, doing “all (she) can for the team” is what Crowley is after, as well as the potential of more representative experience.

Crowley’s first game back did not exactly go to plan, as she suffered a head knock against the Eastern Ranges and had her day end early, before the Cannons eventually suffered defeat. She is yet to return to action for the 1-1 NAB League outfit, but will have plenty more opportunities there, and in the famous sash later this year.