RELOCATING to another state is never easy, but for Tasmanian Aprille Crooks, she had “no doubts”. Joining forces with reigning South Australian National Football League (SANFL) Women’s premiers North Adelaide, the former Tasmania Devils talent is the latest Apple Isle prospect to land in the City of Churches.

“Last year in Tassie, I was unable to play state Devils due to full-time work so I hurt my chances of getting noticed and getting picked up in a draft,” Crooks said. “After that I made the decision whether I wanted to take my footy seriously or not, and after receiving a call from North Adelaide Roosters asking if I’d make the move, I had no doubts, so I jumped on the first plane over.”

Crooks is no stranger to high-level football, with the 19-year-old averaging 12 disposals, four tackles and just under two inside 50s and two rebound 50s per game during her top-age NAB League Girls season. The 167cm midfielder/defender since transitioned into a forward, a role she will play for the Roosters. Playing for South Launceston in 2022, Crooks booted 34 goals in 16 games and looked a class above in the Northern Tasmanian Football Association (NTFA).

Along with her incredible sharpshooting, Crooks took out the league best and fairest and starred for the Bulldogs in the Tasmanian first division competition. Her efforts caught the eye of the SANFL Women’s premiers, and Crooks was able to find a hospitality job through a housemate.

“Obviously going from Devils which is a pretty high standard down to Div 1 it was definitely a big difference,” Crooks said. “It was good just to enjoy my footy again, get out there with the girls, great social environment. Winning a premiership and best and fairest all in one, it was a pretty surreal moment so great year.

“This season I’ve actually started to go forward, which is very new to me. Only this year (2022) I’ve played in a forward position, I’ve been a mid and a defender my whole life. Definitely playing as that smaller forward and maybe swinging into midfield if I’m needed.”

North Adelaide will be without dangerous forward Jade De Melo for the season having headed back to Western Australia during the AFL Women’s off-season, while star youngsters Hannah Ewings and Amelie Borg are eligible to play, but likely for set periods of the season. Enter Crooks who can fill that forward role left by De Melo, and forge a path of her own.

“When I first came in, obviously I expressed to them I wanted to get picked up as well, what I needed to do, who should I be watching, getting all that kind of intel,” Crooks said. “They have been a massive help early, helped me find a manager and everything.

“It’s definitely been very full on which is what you want from a preseason. That’s when you want to get all your base fitness in. It’s pretty similar to the Devils preseasons that I’ve done, but very different to my club ones as they take it a little bit easier. It’s been really good getting all the runs through our legs, getting our structures set up to get ready to get into more skill-based trainings throughout the season.”

Crooks described her speed and footwork as her greatest strengths, able to explode across the ground well with and without the ball. Her main area of improvement comes in her overhead marking and aerial contest. Looking up to the likes of Demon duo Tayla Harris and Kate Hore, Crooks is an observer of the game always keen to learn more. Closer to home, her father – who coached her to two premierships in three years – has had the greatest influence on her career to-date.

The ultimate goal for Crooks is simple – get on an AFL Women’s list. However when it comes to her personal goals that she can control, the Tasmanian had it all figured out.

“I definitely I believe if you’re a good footballer, you can become a better person throughout your footy career,” Crooks said. “Just building those connections, creating good friendships and just working on who I am as a person on and off the field.”